The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has called on local artisans and creative industry operators to use the 18th International Arts and Handicraft Trade Show of Ouagadougou (SIAO 2026) to expand their businesses, establish international partnerships and access new markets, as the country intensifies efforts to strengthen commercial relations with Burkina Faso.
The call forms part of Ghana’s broader strategy to promote locally manufactured products, increase export opportunities and position the creative industry as a contributor to economic growth and regional industrialisation.
The Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, made the appeal in a keynote address delivered on her behalf by Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Kenneth Akibate, during the Ghana Day Celebration in Ouagadougou.
“Our objects of traditional craftsmanship are valuable economic assets, capable of generating employment and expanding our presence in international markets.”
Minister for Trade, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare
SIAO Opens Markets for Ghanaian Artisans
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare expressed Ghana’s appreciation to the Government and people of Burkina Faso, as well as the organisers of SIAO 2026, for the opportunity to showcase the country’s cultural heritage, creative capabilities and economic potential on an international platform.
She noted that Ghana’s participation went beyond cultural representation, offering local businesses an opportunity to connect with potential buyers, distributors, investors and other industry players across the continent and beyond.
The importance of the exhibition is reflected in its scale. According to the SIAO organising committee, the 18th edition was expected to attract more than 6,000 exhibitors, over 100 professional buyers and upwards of 800,000 visitors, with approximately 800 exhibition stands planned.
For Ghanaian artisans, the platform presents opportunities to explore demand for products such as traditional textiles, beads, leatherworks, wood carvings, basketry, pottery and other locally manufactured creative products.
The Minister’s message also emphasised the importance of improving production standards, product presentation and business organisation to enable Ghanaian businesses to compete effectively in regional and international markets.
“Beyond its traditional aspect, our ambition is to make handicrafts a genuine driver of wealth creation, employment, innovation and African economic integration.”
Minister for Trade, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare
This position aligns with the central objective of SIAO 2026, which seeks to strengthen the connection between traditional craftsmanship and industrial production.
Ghana Plans Ouagadougou Trade House
Beyond the exhibition, Ghana is pursuing practical mechanisms to sustain commercial relationships with Burkina Faso through the proposed establishment of a Ghana Trade House in Ouagadougou.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Rashid Raymond Kramer, announced the planned facility during the Ghana Day celebration.
He said the trade house would, among other things, facilitate commercial exchanges between the two countries and provide a platform for promoting Ghanaian products in the Burkinabe market.
The initiative is expected to create a more direct channel for Ghanaian exporters seeking business opportunities in Burkina Faso while strengthening connections between producers, buyers and distributors.
Its proposed establishment is particularly relevant to small and medium-sized enterprises that may face challenges identifying foreign buyers, understanding market requirements and establishing reliable distribution networks.
A permanent trade presence in Ouagadougou could help address some of these challenges by improving product visibility, supporting business enquiries and facilitating commercial relationships between enterprises in both countries.
The development also complements the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services by reducing trade barriers and improving opportunities for African businesses.
The shared ambition, according to remarks made during the celebration, is to transform the countries’ historical and cultural connections into stronger economic partnerships.
Alassane Ouédraogo, Secretary-General of Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Trade and Crafts, underscored the significance of Ghana’s selection as the Guest Country of Honour.
“The choice of Ghana as Guest Country of Honour is not accidental. It demonstrates the excellent relations of friendship, brotherhood, proximity and cooperation that unite our two peoples.”
Deputy C.E.O GEPA, Rashid Raymond Kramer
Artisanal Industry Key to Regional Growth
Artisanal production provides livelihood opportunities for thousands of people across the continent, particularly women, young people and operators of small businesses engaged in textile production, fashion, jewellery, leather processing, woodwork and other creative activities.
The SIAO platform provides an avenue for addressing some of these constraints through professional exhibitions, business-to-business engagements, industry discussions and direct interactions with international buyers.
Ghana’s delegation of more than 200 participants, according to reports from the event, reflects the country’s effort to maximise the commercial and diplomatic benefits of its participation.
The Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, David Kabré, also highlighted the cultural connections between communities in northern Ghana and Burkina Faso, noting that shared traditions provide a foundation for stronger cooperation.
“The North of Ghana shares practically the same culture with Burkina Faso, particularly among the Kassena, Nankana, Bissa, Gourmantché, Gurunsi, Dagaaba, Lobi and Mossi peoples.”
Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, David Kabré
The broader objective is to build a stronger regional market in which African craftsmanship is not only preserved as cultural heritage but developed into competitive businesses capable of generating employment, expanding exports and supporting industrialisation.
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