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Mahama & Traoré Tackle ECOWAS Security, Trade & Ties

Mahama and Traoré Discuss ECOWAS Relations, Security, and Trade in Key Meeting

John Dramani Mahama, the former president of Ghana, recently met with Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the interim leader of Burkina Faso, to talk about important regional issues like ECOWAS relations, economic cooperation, and security. The purpose of their March 10, 2025, meeting was to address urgent issues facing the region and to fortify West African unity.

Following the talks, Mahama emphasized the importance of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Economic Community (AEC) at a press briefing. He acknowledged concerns from Burkina Faso and its regional partners regarding their relationship with ECOWAS and assured Traoré that these issues would be presented at the upcoming ECOWAS summit.

“There is a noticeable breakdown of trust among West African leaders, and though restoring confidence will take time, it remains a necessity,” Mahama emphasized.

The two leaders also discussed ways to improve trade relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso, including improving Ghana’s transit corridor for Burkinabe importers, facilitating agricultural trade, and establishing a direct flight route between Accra and Ouagadougou. Security was a major topic of discussion, especially the growing terrorist threats in the Sahel region. Mahama noted that instability that started in Mali had spread to Burkina Faso and Niger, underscoring the need for a united front against terrorism.

Mahama also revealed that Burkina Faso was thinking of using Ghana’s pipeline network to deliver petrol and diesel products to Ouagadougou after securing a storage terminal in Tema.

The significance of diplomacy in resolving West Africa’s urgent issues is highlighted by this summit. Ghana and Burkina Faso are actively promoting stability and prosperity in the area by strengthening their economic and security ties.

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