Trade Minister urges Ghanaian artisans to leverage SIAO 2026 for business growth

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has urged Ghanaian artisans and businesses to take advantage of the 18th International Arts and Handicraft Trade Show of Ouagadougou (SIAO 2026) to expand their businesses and explore opportunities in the regional market.

She said Ghana’s participation in the exhibition as Guest Country of Honour presents an important opportunity to showcase the country’s creative industry, strengthen trade relations with Burkina Faso and promote intra-African trade.

The Minister's message was delivered by Ghana's Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Kenneth Akibate, in a keynote address at the Ghana Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Ouagadougou.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Burkina Faso, noting that the exhibition reflects the longstanding friendship between the two countries and their shared ambition to promote local industries, industrialisation and economic opportunities for their people.

She also expressed Ghana's appreciation to the Government and people of Burkina Faso, as well as the organisers of SIAO 2026, for the warm reception and opportunity to showcase the country's cultural heritage, creativity and economic potential.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Rashid Raymond Kramer, disclosed that Ghana would soon establish a trade house in Ouagadougou.

He said the facility would, among other things, help facilitate trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso, providing further opportunities for businesses in both countries to access each other's markets.