Minister for the Interior Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has urged the public to stop sharing distressing images and videos of Ghanaian traders killed in a terrorist attack in northern Burkina Faso, warning that the circulation of such content is causing further anguish to grieving families.

The attack targeted a truck carrying Ghanaian tomato traders along a route near Titao, an area that has witnessed repeated extremist violence in recent years. The victims were part of Ghana’s cross-border agricultural trade network, which supplies fresh produce to major markets across the country.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on Monday, February 16, Mr Mubarak confirmed that 18 Ghanaian traders,10 men and eight women, were caught in the attack, which occurred during a confrontation between extremist fighters and Burkinabe security forces.

“The attackers forced the women off the trucks and opened fire indiscriminately. Several individuals, including the drivers, died instantly, and the trucks were set ablaze, leaving the bodies burnt beyond recognition.

“Sharing footage of burnt bodies is not only insensitive but also adds to their trauma. I plead with everyone to stop circulating these images and put themselves in the shoes of the grieving families,” he said.

Authorities in Burkina Faso have since buried the remains of the deceased with the consent of the Ghanaian government, after collecting DNA samples to enable proper forensic identification. Officials say this process is critical because the severity of the burns made visual identification impossible.

The Interior Minister noted that government agencies, including Ghana’s diplomatic mission, are working closely with Burkinabe authorities to identify victims, notify families, and provide assistance to survivors.

Plans are underway to transfer the injured survivors to Ouagadougou, where Ghanaian officials will coordinate medical care and repatriation.

Alhaji Mubarak also indicated that efforts are ongoing to account for all affected individuals and support bereaved families, stressing the need for compassion and respect during the identification process.

The attack highlights growing security risks along key trade routes in the Sahel region, where Ghanaian traders frequently travel to purchase agricultural produce, particularly tomatoes, for domestic distribution