Traders Urged to Comply with Burkina Faso Ban on Shea Nuts
Ghanaian traders engaged in cross-border trade with Burkina Faso have been urged to strictly comply with a newly imposed ban on the export of shea nuts and selected grains, as authorities caution that violations will attract severe sanctions.
The Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) says Burkina Faso has introduced strict restrictions on the export of shea nuts, millet, maize and soybeans. The directive includes enforcement measures such as the confiscation of vehicles and prosecution of offenders found engaging in illegal cross-border movement of the affected commodities.
According to the Council, the directive was communicated through the National Security Council Secretariat and is aimed at individuals, traders and businesses involved in the movement of agricultural produce across the Ghana–Burkina Faso border.
The NRCC is therefore advising traders, transport operators and agribusiness stakeholders in Northern Ghana to fully comply with the regulations to avoid penalties that could disrupt livelihoods and commercial activities in the region.
In a statement, the Council emphasised the need for strict adherence to the new rules by all actors involved in the agricultural trade corridor.
“In view of this development, the Northern Regional Coordinating Council wishes to inform businessmen and women, haulage drivers, transport owners and export companies in the region to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to all applicable laws and regulations governing cross-border trade in agricultural commodities in Burkina Faso to avoid any applicable sanctions,” the statement said.
The Council also called on traditional authorities, market associations, transport unions and local government institutions to support the dissemination of the information to ensure widespread awareness and compliance among stakeholders.
It noted that effective communication at the local level is critical in preventing traders from unknowingly violating the new regulations and facing sanctions.
“The Government of Ghana remains committed to supporting lawful cross-border trade and collaboration between Ghanaians and Burkinabes and will ensure that its citizens are informed and guided accordingly,” the statement added.
Northern Ghana remains one of the country’s key agricultural trade corridors, with shea nuts and grains forming a major part of cross-border commercial activity. Authorities say adherence to the directive will help protect traders from legal and financial risks while maintaining stable trade relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Stakeholders in the sector are expected to intensify sensitisation efforts as the new regulations take effect.
