The President of the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC), Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, has warned that the recent terrorist attack in Burkina Faso could have far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s agricultural trade and regional commerce.
According to him, escalating insecurity in Burkina Faso poses a serious threat to cross-border trade routes that are vital to Ghana’s food supply chain and export activities.
Security Instability Raises Trade Concerns
Dr. Kludjeson explained that Burkina Faso serves as a key transit corridor for goods moving within the West African sub-region. Any prolonged instability could disrupt the free movement of agricultural commodities between Ghana and its northern neighbours.
He noted that Ghana relies heavily on regional trade under the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and insecurity along major trade corridors could increase transportation costs, delay shipments, and affect market prices.
Potential Impact on Food Supply and Prices
The GITFiC President cautioned that disruptions in Burkina Faso may affect the supply of grains, livestock, and other agricultural products that flow into Ghana. Such interruptions, he said, could trigger price hikes and put additional pressure on consumers already grappling with economic challenges.
He stressed that traders operating along the northern corridor may face heightened risks, including attacks on cargo trucks and logistical bottlenecks at border points.
Call for Regional Collaboration
Dr. Kludjeson urged governments within the sub-region to strengthen intelligence-sharing and security cooperation to protect trade routes and safeguard economic stability.
He further called on Ghanaian authorities to proactively assess potential risks and implement contingency plans to cushion the agricultural sector against possible shocks.
Safeguarding Regional Trade
While expressing solidarity with the people of Burkina Faso, the GITFiC President emphasised that ensuring security in the Sahel remains critical not only for peace but also for sustaining economic growth and food security across West Africa.
He concluded that swift and coordinated action is needed to prevent the security crisis from spilling over into economic and trade disruptions that could undermine Ghana’s agricultural progress.
