The 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO) took place in Burkina Faso, with Ghana as the guest of honour. On November 3, 2026, a special day was dedicated to showcasing Ghana's cultural and artisanal heritage. The event featured artistic performances, traditional food tastings, and meetings to discuss the craftsmanship of both countries. Alassane Ouédraogo, Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry, represented the Minister and praised Ghana's participation and the quality of its products.
The choice of Ghana as the guest of honour was not coincidental, according to Ouédraogo. It reflects the strong historical and cultural ties between Burkina Faso and Ghana, as well as their desire to use craftsmanship and trade as instruments for economic development and rapprochement. He highlighted the shared values and cultural heritage between the two nations, which are expressed through their artisanal creations, textiles, and cultural expressions.
The event aimed to promote exchanges between actors from both countries and make craftsmanship a lever for creating wealth, jobs, and innovation. Ouédraogo called for stronger relations between Burkinabé and Ghanaian artisans, creators, economic operators, and institutions. The goal is to pool their expertise, develop commercial opportunities, and create competitive products that can conquer African and international markets.
David Kabré, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, welcomed the event and praised the Burkinabé authorities for choosing Ghana as the guest of honour. He noted that Ghana's participation was marked by a strong mobilization, with over 200 participants from various artisanal disciplines. The Ghanaian delegation was joined by members of the Ghanaian diaspora living in Burkina Faso and embassy staff, who contributed to the organization of the event.
Kabré encouraged Burkinabé people and SIAO visitors to discover the Ghanaian stands, which showcase a cultural heritage with both similarities and particularities with Burkina Faso's. He highlighted the shared cultural realities between the north of Ghana and certain Burkinabé communities, such as the Kasséna, Nouna, Bisa, Dagara, Lobi, and Mossi. The southern part of Ghana, particularly the Volta region, also offers interesting cultural elements to discover.
The participation of Ghana in SIAO 2026 is an opportunity to strengthen relations between the two countries, under the impulse of their respective leaders. Kabré thanked the Ghanaian authorities for authorizing this strong mobilization at the SIAO. The event demonstrates the solidarity and friendship between Burkina Faso and Ghana, as expressed through their cultural and artisanal expressions.
The celebration of Ghana as the guest of honour at SIAO 2026 reflects the strong ties between the two nations and their shared commitment to promoting cultural heritage and craftsmanship. The event provided a platform for Ghanaian artisans to showcase their products and expertise, while also fostering cooperation and exchange between Burkinabé and Ghanaian actors.
Key points
- - The 18th edition of SIAO celebrated Ghana as its guest of honour, highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. - The event aimed to promote exchanges between actors from both countries and make craftsmanship a lever for creating wealth, jobs, and innovation. - Over 200 Ghanaian participants took part in the event, showcasing a wide range of artisanal products and expertise.
