Ghana and Burkina Faso have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, with both nations pledging to remove barriers hindering the smooth flow of goods and services across their shared border.

This came to light when the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr Simon Madjie, joined Ghana’s high-level trade and investment delegation led by the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mr Sampson Ahi, in bilateral discussions with Mr Serge Gnaniodem Poda, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Handicraft.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the inaugural Invest in Burkina Faso Forum (FIIBF) in Ouagadougou, which brought together business leaders, policymakers, and development partners from 44 countries under the theme “Structuring Investment for a Sovereign Burkina Faso.”

Discussions centred on enhancing trade cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, addressing cross-border challenges, and exploring joint opportunities in agribusiness, manufacturing, and industrial development.

Mr Ahi reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening economic relations with Burkina Faso, while drawing attention to persistent difficulties faced by Ghanaian traders at the Paga border post. 

He cited long delays and cumbersome customs procedures as major constraints affecting the efficient movement of goods and services.

In response, Mr Poda acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the Ghanaian delegation that his government was implementing measures to streamline customs operations and improve the border experience for traders. 

He reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s dedication to fostering stronger economic cooperation with Ghana and promoting a more enabling environment for cross-border trade.

Mr Ahi also held separate talks with Mr Seydou Asman, Niger’s Minister of Trade and Industry, where both sides explored strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and safeguard agricultural value chains involving Ghana, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

He noted Ghana’s continued importation of onions and beans from Niger and underscored the importance of preserving these trade links for the mutual benefit of all three nations.

The forum served as a platform for dialogue, investment promotion, and partnership-building aimed at accelerating sustainable growth and regional integration across West Africa.