Ghana, Burkina Faso resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation

The Burkinabe Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ghana to Burkina Faso, Kenneth Akibate, have resolved to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement from the Communication Directorate of the Presidency of Burkina Faso, sighted by The Ghanaian Times.

The resolve was made during the presentation of Letters of Credence by Mr. Akibate to Captain Traoré at the Presidency in Ouagadougou last Friday.

In the spirit of neighbourliness, President John Dramani Mahama paid a courtesy call on the Burkinabe leader in Ouagadougou before his swearing-in on January 7, following his victory in the 2024 General Elections. This was reciprocated by a visit from Captain Traoré during President Mahama’s inauguration and a courtesy call at his residence in Accra.

Ghana and Burkina Faso, both located in West Africa, share a rich cultural, linguistic, and historical heritage. This shared heritage is expressed in music, traditional drumming, dancing, clothing, and cuisine. The countries also share common frontiers and several ethnic groups, including Mossi, Dagaaba, Dagomba, and Guruni peoples.

Historically, both nations were part of the Ghana Empire and Upper Volta, and they have collaborated on regional issues through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Mr. Akibate, a seasoned public servant with almost two decades of experience in international diplomacy, has held strategic positions in the Pan-African Parliament, the African Union, and the Ghana Armed Forces.

The ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso are guided by a formal cooperation framework established after independence. This includes the 1971 General Cooperation Framework Agreement and the creation of a Permanent Joint Cooperation Commission.

The two nations have enjoyed fruitful relations across several sectors, with notable moments under former leaders such as President Aboubakar Sanoule Lamizana of Burkina Faso, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, President J.J. Rawlings, and Captain Thomas Sankara.