The Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) has issued a public warning to traders, transport operators and haulage companies following a decision by the Government of Burkina Faso to impose strict sanctions on the illicit export of shea nuts and selected grains.
According to the NRCC, an official communication from Ghana’s National Security Council Secretariat indicates that Burkina Faso has intensified enforcement measures against the unauthorized export of commodities including shea nuts, millet, maize and soybeans.
The sanctions reportedly include the confiscation of vehicles used in the transportation of the products as well as the prosecution of individuals found violating the restrictions.
The NRCC said the development has significant implications for businesses and transport operators engaged in cross-border trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso, particularly in northern Ghana where commercial links with the neighbouring country remain strong.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Council urged businessmen and women, export companies, transport owners, haulage drivers and traders to exercise extreme caution and ensure full compliance with all laws and regulations governing the movement of agricultural commodities in Burkina Faso.
“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 sanction,” the statement said.
The Council further appealed to traditional authorities, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), market associations, trade unions and transport unions across the Northern Region to help spread awareness of the restrictions and encourage compliance among their members.
The warning comes amid growing efforts by the Burkinabe authorities to regulate the movement of strategic agricultural commodities and protect domestic supplies.
Despite the restrictions, the NRCC emphasized that the Government of Ghana remains committed to promoting lawful cross-border trade and maintaining strong economic relations with Burkina Faso.
“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.
The NRCC advised all stakeholders involved in cross-border commerce to familiarize themselves with the latest regulations to avoid penalties that could result in the loss of vehicles, cargo and potential legal action in Burkina Faso.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
