Study Spurs Trade Reforms at Ghana-Burkina Border

A new cross-border study has unlocked fresh opportunities for trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso, spotlighting the need for major reforms at the Paga-Dakola border crossing—an essential trade corridor for Burkina Faso’s mineral and cotton exports to the sea.

Conducted over 18 months, the study—led by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme (EAT)—identified 78 targeted reforms to improve border management, digital systems, infrastructure, and support for women traders.

The Paga-Dakola route has seen increased traffic as traders avoid insurgency-affected areas, but challenges remain. Poor coordination among agencies, financial service gaps due to bank closures, and the lack of a secure convoy system on the Ghanaian side continue to hinder trade.

“Security is a major concern here,” said a female livestock trader interviewed in the study. “If we cannot guarantee the safety of our goods and the traders, then all the efforts to streamline the border processes will be in vain.”

From October 2023 to March 2025, researchers carried out field visits and consultations to gather data. Their findings gained backing from over 20 trade and policy experts during a review meeting on 3 March 2025, co-hosted by the Ghana Shippers Authority and ITC.

Participants praised Burkina Faso’s Trade Portal (BurkTP) and the SYLVIE customs platform, calling on Ghana to adopt similar systems with multilingual support and greater flexibility for agrifood exports.

Despite Burkina Faso’s recent withdrawal from ECOWAS to form a new alliance with Mali and Niger, businesses are still committed to regional trade growth.

A follow-up consultation held in Accra on 6–7 March 2025 prioritized 18 of the study’s recommendations, with emphasis on improving border security, agency coordination, digital tools, and targeted support for women-led businesses.

With focused implementation, the Paga-Dakola corridor could become a model for efficient, safe, and inclusive cross-border trade in West Africa.