Ghanaian traders in the cereal and beans export business have been urged to adhere to the country’s northern neighbour’s ban on the said items, in order to avoid sanctions.
Having initially issued a ban on beans and cereal exports effective December 19, 2023, Burkina Faso, currently led by a military leader issued a communique indicating an extension of the ban on November 13, 2024. This has been done to ensure food security and address food shortage concerns in the country.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a reminder to traders, urging them to comply stricly to the ban.
“Ghanaian traders and businesses involved in importing these commodities from Burkina Faso are advised to take note of this directive and comply accordingly to avoid any sanctions or confiscation of goods,” said the ministry.
Known to be a serial importer of cereals, Ghana could face a hike in the prices of cereals within its domestic market as a result of the ban, experts warn.
There are fears that traders carrying out business near the northern border could ignore the directive. However, the ministry has insisted that all traders must comply with the directive and find other legal alternatives for their trade, as the ministry also continues to engage with Burkina Faso to deliberate on the way forward.
“We understand the implications for Ghanaian businesses, but compliance is crucial to maintaining smooth bilateral trade relations,” said the ministry.
Ghana will try to ensure that its diplomatic ties with its northern neighbour is not jeopardized, especially as the coup regimed country has officially left the Economic Community Of West African Countries (ECOWAS) over various concerns.
Burkina Faso has formed an alliance with Niger and Mali, all currently governed by a military leader. The three countries forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) expressed the same concerns for their cessation from the ECOWAS; influence from external entities like the west and poor governance by their democratically elected leaders.
Ghana’s president, John Dramani Mahama, after assuming office, appointed a retired army officer, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as the special envoy to the AES, an approach to forster diplomatic ties with the alliance and to ensure regional security.
Source: Dehotpress
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