President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening regional trade by eliminating obstacles that hinder the smooth transportation of goods between Ghana and Mali.

He emphasised that removing these trade barriers is essential for fostering economic growth and deepening bilateral relations between the two West African nations.

The president made this declaration during a press briefing following a meeting with Mali’s Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, in Bamako on Saturday, 8th March 2025.

Their discussions centred on streamlining trade procedures, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhancing cooperation between the transport and customs agencies of both countries.

President Mahama underscored the crucial role played by long-distance truck drivers in the economies of Ghana and Mali.

These drivers facilitate the movement of foodstuffs, manufactured goods, and raw materials between the two nations, supporting both domestic trade and international exports.

He acknowledged the numerous challenges that transporters face, including cumbersome customs procedures, frequent roadblocks, long delays at border crossings, and unofficial fees imposed along the trade route.

“A lot of long-distance drivers, both Malian and Ghanaian, convey goods from our ports to Mali and transport goods from Mali back to our ports for export. We discussed how we can remove the challenges so that these drivers involved in the transit of goods can work without difficulties,” he stated.

Ghana and Mali have enjoyed strong trade relations for decades, with Ghana serving as a critical gateway for Malian exports to international markets.

The removal of trade barriers is expected to improve efficiency in cross-border trade, reducing costs and delays for businesses operating between the two countries.

President Mahama’s visit to Mali forms part of his broader ‘Good Neighbourliness’ tour, aimed at reinforcing diplomatic and economic ties with Ghana’s neighbouring states.

As part of this initiative, he is also scheduled to visit Niger and Burkina Faso, both of which recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish the AES bloc.