At the opening ceremony of the 18th International Arts and Crafts Fair of Ouagadougou (SIAO 2026) on Friday, October 30, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu‑Adjare, announced a new bilateral trade agreement with Burkina Faso. The pact is designed to promote industrial cooperation, cross‑border trade and value addition across a range of sectors.
In her Guest of Honour address, Ofosu‑Adjare highlighted opportunities for collaboration in handicrafts, agro‑processing, shea, cotton, leather and agricultural value chains. She noted that formal trade between the two countries exceeded US$1 billion last year and called for stronger border management, harmonised product standards and smoother movement of goods.
Ghana, which is participating as Guest of Honour alongside Mali and Niger, showcased products from all 16 regions at the fair, including Kente, Adinkra, fugu, Bolgatanga baskets, beads, pottery, leather goods and contemporary fashion. The proposed agreement aims to provide a framework for advancing cooperation and creating new business opportunities for both nations.
Observers will watch how the agreement shapes trade flows and industrial partnerships in the coming months, as Ghana and Burkina Faso seek to deepen economic ties through the SIAO platform.
