Fresh details have emerged regarding the deadly attack in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of over 15 Ghanaians, according to confirmed sources from Ghana’s Interior Ministry.
Speaking from a trusted account, Kweku Antwi, a station master and executive member of the Tomatoes and Onion Truck Drivers Association of Ghana, described the incident as “totally shameful, sad and unacceptable.”
How The Traders Operate Across The Border
According to Antwi, the victims were predominantly Ghanaian women traders who champion the importation of tomatoes into Ghana. Most of these women are based in Koforidua but travel to Kumasi to join trucks heading north toward Navrongo.
The Ghana–Burkina Faso border point they frequently use is located on the edge of Navrongo at Bodaso. Typically, the women cross the border by car from Bodaso while the truck drivers and their mates drive the loaded trucks separately. They later regroup in Burkina Faso to begin negotiations and loading activities.
The traders usually operate in coordinated groups consisting of women traders, young men who assist with loading, drivers, mates, and interpreters who help facilitate communication with local Burkinabè suppliers. Each group has a chairman overseeing operations. Collectively, around 15–20 individuals move together per truck, with approximately 20 trucks operating in different locations to transport tomatoes or onions into Ghana.
What Happened In Titao
Kweku Antwi revealed that one of these trucks encountered the fatal attack in Titao, Burkina Faso. The group reportedly arrived late at night and decided to rest before commencing negotiations and loading activities the next morning.
However, in the early hours, they suddenly heard gunshots from a distance. The group initially attempted to flee. But according to Antwi, one interpreter familiar with local armed groups allegedly assured them that militants affiliated with Al-Qaeda would not harm Ghanaians because of perceived friendly relations.
Tragically, that decision proved fatal.
Brutal Execution Of Ghanaian Men
When the armed men arrived, the attackers reportedly separated the women from the men. The Ghanaian men were shot at close range, with several killed instantly. One survivor sustained gunshot wounds to his hands and legs. Some victims were reportedly set ablaze, and at least one woman suffered severe burns. Only two to three individuals are said to have survived the brutal assault.
Security sources indicate that militants linked to JNIM were behind the attack.
Government Response And Ongoing Monitoring
The tragic incident has drawn the attention of Ghanaian authorities. As earlier reported by GhanaMedia.net, investigations are ongoing. President John Dramani Mahama has since visited survivors receiving treatment, as detailed in this report: President Mahama Visits Burkina Faso Survivors.
Authorities say the Interior Ministry is working closely with security agencies to fully establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and provide support to affected families.
The President of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, is expected to intensify efforts to curb extremist violence within the region.
From GhanaMedia.net, we strongly condemn this heinous act and continue to follow developments closely as both governments respond to the tragedy.
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