Ghana and Burkina Faso have reached an agreement to restore cross-border trade in eggs and tomatoes following bilateral negotiations aimed at removing trade obstacles and deepening economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The breakthrough allows Ghanaian eggs to re-enter the Burkinabe market after authorities in Burkina Faso lifted restrictions that had affected exporters, particularly poultry farmers and traders in Dormaa, one of Ghana’s major egg-producing hubs.
The understanding was reached during official talks held on July 17 between senior government representatives from both countries.
Ghana’s delegation was headed by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, together with the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku.
Officials indicated that the reopening of the market is expected to revive business activities for poultry producers who had experienced losses after Burkina Faso suspended egg imports over concerns relating to product quality from certain exporting countries.
Government representatives assured industry players that measures would continue to be implemented to safeguard the interests of Ghanaian businesses while strengthening commercial partnerships within the sub-region.
As part of the new arrangements, Ghana also agreed to resume the importation of tomatoes from Burkina Faso, creating a balanced framework for agricultural trade between the two countries.
To sustain the progress, both governments will establish a Joint Technical Committee to supervise trade operations, resolve emerging concerns and facilitate the uninterrupted movement of goods across their shared border.
The two countries further agreed to begin work on a formal Bilateral Trade Agreement designed to enhance market access, eliminate unnecessary trade bottlenecks and promote long-term economic collaboration.
Beyond agriculture, discussions also focused on Ghana’s participation in this year’s International Arts and Crafts Trade Fair (SIAO) in Burkina Faso.
Ghana announced plans to send a high-level delegation to exhibit locally manufactured products and services at the event.
Figures released by the Ministry for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry showed that Ghana’s exports to Burkina Faso increased from US$573 million in 2024 to US$637 million in 2025, reflecting growing commercial ties between the two countries.
The Ghanaian delegation included Ambassador to Burkina Faso, H.E. Sem Kenneth Akibate, officials from the Ghana Embassy, technical experts from the Ministry for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, as well as representatives of the private sector, including members of the country’s egg export industry.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong