The Member of Parliament for New Juaben South and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee, Michael Okyere Baafi, has condemned the recent terrorist attack in Burkina Faso that reportedly affected Ghanaian tomato traders.
In a strongly worded statement, Mr Baafi said he was “deeply appalled” by the incident, which he noted had resulted in the loss of lives, injuries and trauma among innocent Ghanaian traders operating across the border.
Seven Ghanaian traders were reported to have been killed by terrorists in the incident.
The lawmaker criticised the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, accusing it of failing to adequately safeguard Ghanaian citizens engaged in cross-border trade.
“This tragedy underscores the Mahama administration’s glaring incompetence in safeguarding our citizens, particularly those engaged in cross-border trade vital to our economy,” he stated.
Mr Baafi accused government authorities of failing to anticipate the risks associated with operating in Burkina Faso, a country that he said, has battled jihadist insurgencies for several years.
“How could a government, armed with intelligence agencies and diplomatic channels, fail to anticipate such risks in a neighbouring country plagued by jihadist insurgencies for years?” he asked.
He further criticised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for what he described as the absence of timely travel advisories, enhanced border patrols or coordinated evacuation efforts for Ghanaian traders who frequently ply the Burkina Faso route.
“Burkina Faso’s security volatility is no secret—yet our Foreign Affairs Ministry issued no timely advisories, no enhanced border patrols, and no coordinated evacuations for our vulnerable traders who traverse these routes daily. This is not mere oversight; it’s a dereliction of duty that borders on criminal negligence,” the statement said.
The MP described tomato traders as critical players in Ghana’s agricultural value chain and export economy, arguing that they had been left exposed despite the known security challenges in the Sahel region.
He called for proactive diplomatic engagement with Burkinabé authorities and better coordination by the National Security Council to protect Ghanaian nationals operating abroad.
Mr Baafi demanded an immediate parliamentary inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the government’s response, as well as compensation for the families of the victims.
“I demand an immediate parliamentary inquiry into this failure, compensation for the victims’ families, and a comprehensive review of our regional security protocols. Ghanaians deserve better than a government that watches idly as our people perish abroad,” he stated.
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