Ghana and Burkina Faso are seeking to deepen their economic ties through a proposed bilateral trade agreement aimed at expanding cross-border commerce, strengthening industrial cooperation and creating new markets for businesses in both countries.
The proposed agreement is expected to provide a framework for improving trade facilitation, promoting value addition and strengthening cooperation across key sectors, including agro-processing, handicrafts, shea, cotton, leather and agricultural production.
Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, announced the initiative at the opening ceremony of the 18th International Arts and Crafts Fair of Ouagadougou (SIAO 2026).
Delivering the Guest of Honour address, she said the two countries had significant opportunities to leverage their respective productive capacities to develop stronger regional value chains and expand market access for locally manufactured products.
She disclosed that formal trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso exceeded US$1 billion in 2025, underscoring the commercial importance of the relationship and the potential for further expansion.
However, she stressed the need to address trade barriers, particularly through stronger border management, harmonised product standards and improved movement of goods between the neighbouring countries.
These measures, she said, would help reduce trade bottlenecks, improve business efficiency and create a more predictable environment for enterprises operating across the two markets.
Ghana is participating in the exhibition as Guest of Honour alongside Mali and Niger, showcasing products from all 16 regions to promote the country’s manufacturing, cultural and creative industries.
The exhibition features locally produced goods, including Kente, Adinkra, fugu, Bolgatanga baskets, beads, pottery, leather products and contemporary fashion.
The participation is also intended to expose Ghanaian producers and artisans to regional and international buyers, creating opportunities for export development, business partnerships and investment.
For Ghana, the proposed trade agreement could provide an avenue to expand non-traditional exports, strengthen local processing industries and improve the commercial value of products before they enter regional markets.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to small-scale manufacturers, artisans and agro-processors, whose access to larger markets could support production expansion, employment and increased export earnings.
The proposed agreement is expected to establish a formal framework for advancing trade and industrial cooperation, although its eventual economic benefits will depend on the implementation of measures that make cross-border transactions easier and more commercially viable.
