Ouagadougou: Ghanaian Alhadji Yakub Ayana completed a journey of more than 950 kilometers on foot between Accra and Ouagadougou in 17 days, to deliver a strong message of pan-African unity and support for the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, in his sovereignist policy.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Alhadji Yakub Ayana was dressed in a suit made from pieces of flags from the 54 African countries. He braved various elements to preach African unity along the Accra-Ouagadougou axis. Having departed on October 10th, he arrived in Ouagadougou on October 27th, 2025, at Revolution Square. Visibly moved, he gave thanks to God before bowing before the monument of the Flame of the Revolution, lit by President Thomas Sankara.
Alhadji Yakub Ayana expressed his dedication to Africa, stating, “It wasn’t easy, but in the name of love for Africa, I did it. My feet were sometimes swollen, but thanks to the medical assistance of the ambulance that accompanied me throughout the journey, everything went well.” He emphasized the importance of unity for the continent’s development, adding, “We are a rich continent that needs unity to develop and shine in the world.”
He warned against any threats to Captain Ibrahim Traore, whom he sees as a leader working for Africa’s interests, saying, “We want to issue a warning to the West not to touch our President Ibrahim Traore, because we often hear rumors that they want to harm him. But we are warning them today: they should not dare.” Adams Abubakar Alhassan, a member of the organizing committee, echoed this sentiment.
Mr. Ayana was accompanied by nine people during his journey, including health workers, security agents, and supporters. Awa Ilboudo, a Burkinabe woman residing in Ghana, also expressed admiration for Captain Ibrahim Traore, considering him a worthy heir of President Sankara.
The pan-Africanist marcher wishes to meet with President Ibrahim Traore, Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, His Majesty Mogho Naaba Baongho, and religious leaders. Mr. Ayana’s arrival in Burkina Faso coincides with the presence of over 700 Afro-descendants and Africans from the diaspora seeking to reconnect with their roots.