In a bid to enhance bilateral trade relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso, the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, hosted a high-level delegation from the Burkinabè government at the Authority’s headquarters.
The delegation, led by Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Col. (Rtd.) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, included Burkina Faso’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts, Serge Poda; Minister of Energy and Mines, Yacouba Zabré; Minister of Environment, Water and Sanitation, Monsieur Roger Baro; and Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency David Kabre. Key stakeholders from various sectors of the Burkinabè economy were also present.
The Burkinabè delegation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade ties with Ghana, emphasising their preference for Ghana’s ports as the main gateway for transit trade within the Alliance of Sahel States.
Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono assured the delegation of GPHA’s dedication to fostering trade growth and improving economic opportunities for both nations.
“We are committed to realising the vision of our leaders in boosting trade and enhancing the standard of living for our citizens. We plan to visit Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to explore avenues for greater collaboration and increased transit trade. Rest assured, we will take the necessary steps to ensure a seamless and efficient trade environment,” he stated.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports, revealing that discussions with customs and other key stakeholders are in progress to implement a 24-hour operational system within the clearance chain.
Col. (Rtd.) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey underscored President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. He urged all stakeholders to actively contribute to initiatives that would enhance trade and improve living standards across the region.
“The Presidents of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have discussed building very strong bilateral relations to improve the living standards of their people. So, I want to urge everyone to play their role not only to do the things that they have been asked to do, but to help in the thinking that will contribute initiatives to make it possible,” he emphasised.
This meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening economic ties and facilitating seamless trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso, paving the way for broader cooperation within the Sahel region.
