Ghana has successfully secured the release of eleven (11) Nigerian Air Force personnel who were detained in Burkina Faso after their aircraft mistakenly landed there about two weeks ago.
The breakthrough followed high-level diplomatic engagement led by Lt. Col. (Rtd) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES). His intervention was instrumental in resolving the situation and facilitating the safe release of the crew.
The Nigerian air force team had reportedly entered Burkinabè airspace unintentionally and landed under circumstances that prompted their temporary detention by authorities. Diplomatic sources say discussions focused on regional security cooperation, aviation protocols, and maintaining cordial relations among West African states.
The release has been welcomed as a positive demonstration of regional diplomacy and cooperation, particularly at a time when security sensitivities in the Sahel remain high.
Ghana’s government has been commended for its swift and effective engagement, with many observers praising Lt. Col. (Rtd) Gbevlo-Lartey for what has been described as a “quiet but decisive diplomatic success.”
The development further underscores Ghana’s growing role as a key diplomatic bridge between coastal West African states and the Sahelian bloc
