Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reacted with deep shock to the killing of seven Ghanaians in a suspected terrorist attack in Burkina Faso, calling for stronger regional security collaboration.
Reports indicate the traders were ambushed while travelling for business in a volatile area. Although full details are yet to be released, the attack is thought to be linked to ongoing extremist violence in the Sahel region.
Dr. Bawumia said he “received with shock news of some Ghanaian traders who have been killed as well as several others injured in a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso.”
He continued on Facebook: “The NPP, Samira, and I express our condolences to the families of the bereaved and our best wishes to the injured. Ghanaian traders must not be left to such peril as they go about their trade. I urge the government to deepen intelligence collaboration with all our neighbours to ensure Ghanaians are protected wherever they find themselves. Our well-established framework for preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism should be strengthened.”
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak confirmed that Ghanaian authorities are working closely with officials in Burkina Faso. Due to the ongoing danger in Titao, Ghana’s embassy could not attend the burial.
He explained that DNA samples were taken to help with identification before the bodies were buried. Surviving women who knew the victims have provided names and will document the burial process for Ghanaian authorities.
