Burkina Faso cereal export ban: Mahama secures release of seized trucks

Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama’s recent diplomatic efforts have yielded positive results.

Mr. Gbevlo-Lartey disclosed that President Mahama’s engagements with Burkina Faso’s authorities have led to the release of 23 seized trucks carrying essential grains.

The development marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to resolve the cereal export impasse with Burkina Faso. “There was a situation where 23 and 8 trucks were seized. The 23 have been released, and assurances have been given that the remaining 8 will also be released soon,” Gbevlo-Lartey stated.

President Mahama’s intervention has been hailed as a major success in strengthening bilateral ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso. “The engagement has started, and we’re building on this progress,” Gbevlo-Lartey noted. “President Mahama’s visit has strengthened trust between our countries.”

The breakthrough comes against the backdrop of Burkina Faso’s export ban on key agricultural commodities, including rice, millet, maize, sorghum, and white beans (cowpea). The restriction, imposed in December 2023, remains in effect, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging Ghanaian traders and businesses to take note.

With the release of the seized trucks, Ghanaian traders and businesses can now breathe a sigh of relief. Gbevlo-Lartey assured that further deliberations are ongoing to resolve all trade disruptions. “The issue of food security was discussed, and the matter has been resolved,” he said.