Ouagadougou: Burkina Faso and Ghana signed seven new cooperation agreements on Friday in Ouagadougou, including one on the mutual recognition of national driving licenses, a major measure to facilitate the free movement of citizens between the two countries.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the signing took place at the conclusion of the ministerial meeting of the 13th session of the Joint High Commission for Cooperation between the two states, with the aim of revitalizing the strategic Ouagadougou-Accra axis and strengthening the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two peoples.
In addition to the reciprocal recognition of driver's licenses between Burkinabe and Ghanaian citizens, the agreements cover a cross-border framework agreement, the establishment of a joint commission protocol, a framework for periodic consultation, transport and transit, the fight against the proliferation and manufacture of narcotics and related offenses, as well as the prevention and management of natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
According to the Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traor©, this 13th session was not limited to formal exchanges, given the concrete results achieved. He indicated that it constitutes a strong strategic signal to both peoples and to the entire sub-region. 'Eight years have passed since the 12th session held in Accra in 2018. In the meantime, our countries have faced significant challenges, including insecurity, migratory pressure, and the effects of climate change,' he stated. He emphasized the need to revitalize the institutional mechanism that governs cooperation between the two states. The work carried out in Ouagadougou, under the leadership of Presidents Captain Ibrahim Traor© and John Dramani Mahama, reflects a shared commitment to acting responsibly and effectively.
The Burkinabe Foreign Minister commended the work of experts from both countries, who have been engaged on these issues since October 2025, and whose conclusions have led to agreements deemed satisfactory by the populations. For his part, Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa recalled the excellent relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso since 1971. He emphasized the shared vision of the two heads of state, geared towards strengthened cooperation that benefits both citizens. Mr. Ablakwa assured that his country would ensure the effective implementation of the signed agreements, within a diplomatic framework focused on the interests of the Burkinab¨ and Ghanaian people.