NRCC cautions traders over Burkina Faso's export restrictions on shea nuts, grains

The Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) has warned traders and transport operators engaged in cross-border trade with Burkina Faso to comply with newly imposed restrictions on the export of shea nuts and selected food crops.

This follows a directive from the National Security Council Secretariat indicating that authorities in Burkina Faso have banned the export of commodities including shea nuts, millet, maize, and soybeans.

According to the NRCC, individuals and businesses found violating the directive risk severe sanctions, including vehicle seizures and possible prosecution by Burkinabe authorities.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the Council urged business operators, haulage companies, transport owners, and exporters in the Northern Region to exercise caution when conducting trade activities across the border.

“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 noted that the directive is particularly important for traders operating along the Ghana–Burkina Faso corridor, which serves as a major route for agricultural trade within the sub-region.

The NRCC further appealed to traditional authorities, transport unions, market associations, and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to help create awareness about the restrictions and encourage compliance among traders.

It stressed that the move is necessary to protect Ghanaian businesses and transport operators from potential losses arising from non-compliance with Burkina Faso’s regulations.

“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 concluded.

The Council therefore advised all stakeholders involved in the trade and transportation of agricultural commodities to remain updated on developments and comply fully with the regulations currently in force in Burkina Faso.

ANAS/SA

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