Vice President John Dramani Mahama, on Friday expressed government's determination to strengthen political and economic ties with Ghana's neighbours to accelerate sub-regional integration. He said such a move would help fast-track the creation of a West African Common Market and thereby wean countries in the sub-region off the dependency on foreign donors. Vice President Mahama made this observation at a meeting with a 10-member Burkinabe delegation at the residency in Bolgatanga. The delegation, led by Mr Pierre Bicaba, Regional Commissioner of Boulgou Province of Burkina Faso participated in Ghana's 52nd independence anniversary celebrations. The visit is as a result of long-standing tradition of reciprocity visits between Upper East Region of Ghana and the Centre East Region of Burkina Faso, to ensure stability along their common frontiers and mutual cooperation. In addition, people of the two regions share a lot in common, with some ethnic groups such as the Kassenas, Busangas and Moshies found on both sides of their common frontiers. Vice President Mahama commended the initiative for cooperation between the two neighbouring regions, and urged their respective administrative authorities to work towards removing tension along the borders. He pledged government’s commitment to work towards promoting peace and understanding, as well as the acceleration of trade relations between neighbouring countries in line with the vision of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Mr Bicaba expressed appreciation to Vice President Mahama for the warm reception accorded the Burkinabe delegation. Source: GNA