The presidential election in Ghana demonstrated that its "democratic system works well" and that there is "a certain level of maturity among political players and civil society," Serge Theophile Balima, a former ambassador of Burkina Faso to France, said in an interview with Sputnik Africa.
The expert anticipates changes in Ghana's foreign policy.
"John Mahama is much more focused on a diversified foreign policy, with more emphasis on multilateral cooperation. This means that there will likely be an expansion of partnerships at the level of Ghanaian actors," he said, adding that it is "a good thing" for Burkina Faso, Ghana's neighbor, and the Alliance of Sahel States.
A graduate of a Soviet university, John Mahama might also be more open to partnerships with Russia.
"We can only welcome this because we have made Russia, and then China, strategic partners who can play their role," provided that they respect "our national sovereignty," noted the former diplomat.