By Laudia Sawer
Tema, March 18, GNA – A high-level delegation from the Burkinabé government has paid a working visit to Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
The delegation led by Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Colonel Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (Rtd.), 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; and Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency David Kabre. Key stakeholders from various sectors of the Burkinabé economy were also present.
The visit was aimed at enhancing bilateral trade relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso, serving as a significant step toward strengthening economic ties and facilitating seamless trade between the two countries, and paving the way for broader cooperation within the Sahel region.
The Burkinabé delegation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade ties with Ghana, emphasising their 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.
He said his outfit was committed to realising the vision of the country’s leaders in boosting trade and enhancing the standard of living for the 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.
The GPHA acting Director General further highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports, revealing that discussions with customs and other key stakeholders were in progress to implement a 24-hour operational system within the clearance chain.
Col. Gbevlo-Lartey (Rtd.) underscored President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and urged all stakeholders to actively contribute to initiatives that would enhance trade and improve living standards across the region.
According to him, the presidents of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have discussed building strong multilateral 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 that they have been asked to do but also to help in the thinking that will contribute initiatives to make it possible,” he emphasised.
GNA
LS/KOA