By Evelyn Arthur
The Acting Director-General of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has hosted a high-level delegation from the Burkinabé government at the Authority’s headquarters to discuss enhanced trade collaboration.
The delegation was led by Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Colonel (Rtd.) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey and 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; as well as Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency David Kabre. Key stakeholders from various sectors of the Burkinabé economy were also present.
During the meeting, the Burkinabé delegation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade ties with Ghana and reiterated its 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.
Colonel (Rtd.) 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 in initiatives that will 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 they have been asked to, but also help in the thinking that will contribute initiatives to make it possible,” he emphasised.
This meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening economic ties and facilitating seamless trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso, paving the way for broader cooperation within the Sahel region.
