Burkina Faso has reversed its ban on cereal exports to Ghana following diplomatic efforts led by former President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, has confirmed.
As an immediate gesture of commitment, Burkinabe authorities have released 23 trucks of beans that were previously seized under the trade blockade.
Additional truckloads of cereals are also expected to cross into Ghana soon, easing fears of supply shortages and price hikes.
The military-led government in Burkina Faso had imposed the ban, raising concerns about Ghana’s food security, given its reliance on grain imports from its northern neighbor.
However, President Mahama’s tour of the AES region helped mend relations, reinforcing trust between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
“I think President Mahama has effectively ironed that out,” Gbevlo-Lartey said in an interview on Connect Africa. “Further discussions between the stakeholders from the two countries will concretize what needs to be done. The 23 trucks have been released, and the Burkinabe authorities have assured President Mahama that the remaining eight will also be released soon.”
The development comes at a time of shifting regional dynamics, with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger officially exiting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after a six-month grace period.
While the departure remains a sovereign decision, Gbevlo-Lartey believes Mahama’s engagement has positioned Ghana as a key mediator in future negotiations.
“They are very happy that they have at least one president they can trust,” he said, suggesting that Mahama could serve as a bridge between ECOWAS and AES in potential reconciliation efforts.
With Burkina Faso reopening its grain exports to Ghana, traders and consumers alike can expect relief in the coming days as the food supply stabilizes.