Ghana and Burkina Faso have signed seven bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening security collaboration, cross-border cooperation and economic integration.

The agreements were concluded following high-level talks in Ouagadougou, marking a renewed commitment by both nations to deepen diplomatic and strategic ties.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that he held substantive discussions with Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, and his Burkinabè counterpart, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, during a two-day official visit.

According to Mr Ablakwa, the meetings reaffirmed the exceptionally cordial relations between Accra and Ouagadougou and resulted in renewed commitments to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

Strengthening Security Cooperation

Central to the discussions was enhanced collaboration in combating terrorism and violent extremism in the sub-region.

Both governments condemned recent terror attacks in Burkina Faso and expressed condolences to affected families. They agreed to design and adopt a new security framework aimed at neutralising the growing threat of terrorism, which continues to pose risks to stability in the Sahel and across West Africa.

Addressing Flooding and Disaster Management

The two countries also established a new partnership on disaster management, particularly in response to the perennial spillage of the Bagré Dam.

Over the years, controlled spillages from the dam have caused severe flooding in downstream communities in northern Ghana, displacing residents, destroying farms and infrastructure, and triggering humanitarian challenges.

The new cooperation framework is expected to enhance early warning systems, improve information sharing and strengthen coordinated emergency responses.

Reactivation of Joint Commission

Mr Ablakwa further announced the reactivation of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), which had been dormant for six years.

The reactivation follows earlier engagements between Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, and Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, signalling renewed high-level political will to strengthen bilateral ties.

Details of the Seven Agreements

At the conclusion of the PJCC session, both countries signed agreements covering key areas of mutual interest, including:

  • Mutual recognition of national driver’s licences to facilitate cross-border movement

  • Transport and road transit cooperation to boost trade and connectivity

  • A framework agreement on cross-border cooperation

  • A memorandum of understanding establishing periodic consultations between border authorities

  • Creation of a joint commission to reaffirm the shared border

  • Cooperation on the prevention and management of disasters and humanitarian crises

  • Joint efforts to combat the illicit cultivation, production and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances



Shared History, Renewed Commitment

Ghana and Burkina Faso share a long-standing relationship rooted in geography, history and economic interdependence. The two countries share a common border stretching over 500 kilometres, with vibrant cross-border trade and strong social ties among border communities.

However, rising insecurity in parts of the Sahel and recurring flooding linked to the Bagré Dam have underscored the urgency for closer collaboration.

Mr Ablakwa expressed appreciation to the government and people of Burkina Faso for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, describing the visit as fruitful and forward-looking.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in pursuit of peace, stability and shared prosperity for both nations.