Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States
Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visits to Mali and Burkina Faso have led to the resolution of issues surrounding the export of cereals to the region.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News on March 11, 2025, Gbevlo-Lartey explained that President Mahama’s engagements with Burkina Faso’s authorities resulted in the release of several seized trucks carrying essential grains.
“There was a situation where 23 and 8 trucks were seized. The 23 have been released, and assurances have been given that the remaining 8 will also be released soon,” he stated.
Gbevlo-Lartey further emphasised that President Mahama’s intervention has significantly improved trust between the nations involved.
“It is good that the engagement has started. They felt that there was some mistrust, and I think we have to build on this progress because President Mahama’s visit has strengthened trust between these countries,” he noted.
He added that further deliberations are ongoing to ensure a smooth resolution of all trade disruptions.
“The issue of food security was discussed, and as a result, the matter has been resolved.”
This development comes against the backdrop of an official export ban imposed by Burkina Faso on key agricultural commodities, including rice, millet, maize, sorghum, and white beans (cowpea).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the restriction, initially announced in a joint communique on December 19, 2023, was reiterated in a follow-up communique on November 13, 2024, affirming that the ban remains in effect.
In response to the situation, the Ministry has urged Ghanaian traders and businesses engaged in importing these commodities from Burkina Faso to take immediate note of the restriction.
Ban on cereals export in Burkina Faso: President Mahama secures release of seized trucks, disruptions settled – Gbevlo-Lartey.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/ESUL0KGwaq
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) March 11, 2025
AM/MA
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