Ghana and Burkina Faso have signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening security and providing escort support along vital cross-border trade corridors between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Ghana’s Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, and Burkina Faso’s Minister of State and Minister of War and Patriotic Defence, Major General Célestin Simporé.
The cooperation is expected to improve the security of critical trade routes linking the two neighbouring countries, protect the movement of goods and support economic stability.
The agreement comes as Ghana and Burkina Faso seek to deepen bilateral security cooperation and address security challenges that could disrupt trade and the movement of people and goods across their shared corridor.
Under the arrangement, the two countries will work together to provide security and escort support along vital cross-border trade routes, helping to create a safer environment for commercial activities and the transportation of essential supplies.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen coordination between the Ghana Armed Forces and their Burkinabè counterparts while reinforcing the broader defence relationship between the two countries.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi; Chief Director of the Ministry of Defence, Emmanuel Kartey; Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, David Kabre; and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong.
Directors of the Ministry of Defence, heads of various directorates of the Ghana Armed Forces and members of the Burkinabè delegation were also present.
The Defence Cooperation forms part of efforts to safeguard economic stability and secure critical supply routes, particularly those connecting Ghana to Burkina Faso and facilitating regional trade.
It is also expected to contribute to stronger bilateral defence ties and closer collaboration between the two countries in addressing security concerns affecting their economic and strategic interests.
The agreement underscores the importance of security in sustaining cross-border trade and regional economic cooperation, with both countries expected to work closely to ensure safer and more reliable trade corridors.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI