Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep regret over the killing of at least seven Ghanaian tomato traders in northern Burkina Faso, describing the incident as a stark reminder of rising insecurity in West Africa.
The traders were attacked by suspected militants on Saturday, 14 February, while travelling across the border. Burkina Faso authorities later buried the victims after taking DNA samples to ensure proper identification and notification of families.
Speaking at the Ghana Tree Crop Investment Summit in Accra on Tuesday, 17 February, Mr. Mahama said the tragedy highlighted the dangers faced by cross-border traders and the wider threat posed by instability in the subregion.
“Unfortunately, we lost a number of our compatriots. Thankfully, there are a few survivors. The Ghana Army is arranging to medevac them from Burkina Faso so that those who are injured can continue to receive treatment here in Ghana,” he said.
He extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Ghana to the families of those killed and injured, pledging support for survivors.
Burkina Faso has faced escalating violence in recent years, with armed groups targeting civilians and traders along major routes. The incident underscores the vulnerability of informal trade networks that link Ghana and its northern neighbor.
