The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) held constructive discussions with his Burkinabe counterpart, His Excellency Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré during his two-day Official Visit aimed at advancing strategic cooperation between the two countries. He also interacted with the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, His Excellency Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo.
The importance of security cooperation between the two countries featured prominently in the discussions and the two countries strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in the sub-region, conveyed their heartfelt condolences to affected families, and resolved to design and implement a strengthened bilateral security framework aimed at effectively combating terrorism and violent extremism.
On the issue of recurring humanitarian challenges, particularly the perennial spillage of the Bagré Dam and its devastating impact on communities in northern Ghana, both countries agreed to establish a reinforced partnership on disaster prevention, early warning coordination and crisis response.
To strengthen institutional cooperation, the two countries reactivated the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) and signed the following:
1) Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of National Driver’s Licenses;
2) Agreement on Transport and Road Transit;
3) Framework Agreement on Cross border cooperation;
4) Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of periodic consultation frameworks between the border administrative Authorities;
5) Memorandum of Understanding regarding the creation of a joint commission to reaffirm the border between two countries;
6) Cooperation agreement on the prevention and management of disasters and humanitarian crises;
7) Agreement in the Field of fighting illicit cultivation, production, manufacture and trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and related matters.
