Ghana, Burkina Faso Deepen Bilateral Relations

Ghana and its northern neighbour—Burkina Faso have saddled up to deepen their bilateral and economic cooperation in various fields.

To foster this strong bond, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed between the two countries vis-a-vis agreements for Cooperation.

The MoUs were signed by Ghana’s Minister for monitoring and evaluation, Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei, and his Burkinabe counterpart, Mr. Alpha Barrey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

The signing of the document which was witnessed by several top officials from both parties was done at the end of the three-day 12th Session of the Ghana-Burkina Faso Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), held in Accra from December 12 to December 14, 2018.

Speaking at the bilateral dialogue, Dr. Osei indicated that Ghana-Burkina Faso relation has been greatly enhanced adding that evidence of real work will soon be seen on the ground.

“We have a common destiny to pursue and indeed our two countries are active member of the economic community of West African States and deeply committed to the vision of a peaceful borderless and prosperous West Africa.

“As member states of the African Union we are also resolved in the pursuit of a peaceful prosperous integrated Africa. We have also demonstrated over the years an enduring commitment to enhance bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our two countries and people,” he said.

As both countries look to the future, Dr. Osei advised that they do not underestimate their combined economic power which according to him, was estimated at a little over $60 billion, in 2017.

Mr. Alpha Barret who led the Burkinabe delegation said his country is looking forward to a strong bond of friendship and cooperation with Ghana.

Discussions at PJCC centred within the broad areas of Politics, Security, Legal, Economic, Trade, Investment, Energy, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Water Resources and Environment.

In all 46 senior officials from Burkina Faso and 47 from the republic of Ghana attended the joint meeting.

MoUs/ Projects

Ghana and Burkina Faso signed an agreement for a railway interconnectivity project linking Ghana and Burkina Faso.

This projected according to government is designed to ensure greater cross-border trade and regional integration.

The 225 kilovolts Bolgatanga to Ouagadougou power interconnection project, will see up to 100 megawatts of power supplied directly to Burkina Faso from Ghana.

Also signed was an MoU to foster greater collaboration in matters of security in both countries. MOUs on cooperation in Sports, Leisure and Education were also considered.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey
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