The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has condemned the killing of Ghanaian tomato traders in an attack at Titao in northern Burkina Faso, describing the incident as a senseless assault on innocent civilians engaged in lawful business activities.

In a statement issued on February 18, the Ministry confirmed that eight Ghanaian nationals lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries in the attack, which took place in a region grappling with extremist violence.

The Ministry characterised the development as deeply distressing and unacceptable.

“The Ministry condemns this act of violence against innocent traders engaged in legitimate commercial activities,” the statement emphasised, expressing profound sympathy to the bereaved families and the broader trading community affected by the tragedy.

Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Ministry of the Interior and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Burkina Faso, is collaborating with local authorities to facilitate medical treatment and support for survivors who have been evacuated from the affected area.

The Ministry further disclosed that it is working alongside National Security agencies and regional partners to intensify cross-border security cooperation.

It reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghanaian traders and businesses operating within the sub-region and beyond.