The Ghana Agricultural and Rural Development Journalists Association (GARDJA) has called on the Government, regional authorities, and international partners to take immediate and decisive action to ensure the safety and welfare of Ghanaian farmers and traders operating across borders.
‎
‎This appeal comes in the wake of a recent terrorist attack in Titao, northern Burkina Faso, which claimed the lives of seven Ghanaian tomato traders and left at least four others injured.
‎
‎In a statement signed by the association's President, Richmond Frimpong, GARDJA condemned the attack in the strongest terms, expressing profound shock and sorrow.
‎
‎The association extended its heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by the tragic incident.
‎
‎"Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence", the statement read.
‎
‎Highlighting the vital role of Ghanaian traders in supporting the nation’s agricultural sector and facilitating regional trade, GARDJA underscored the significance of their contributions to food security and rural livelihoods.
‎
‎The association described the loss as a grave setback not only for the families involved but also for the broader agricultural community.
‎
‎GARDJA urged the government and relevant stakeholders to guarantee the safe return of survivors, provide urgent medical and psychological support to the injured, and introduce robust protective measures for cross-border agricultural workers.
‎
‎"GARDJA calls on the Government, relevant authorities, and regional partners to ensure the safe
‎return of survivors, provide immediate support to the injured, and strengthen measures to protect", the statement added.
‎
‎
‎The association also emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and strengthened security along agricultural value chains, which it described as essential to both national and regional development.
‎
‎"We urge continued vigilance and
‎attention to the security of agricultural value chains, which are essential for national and regional
‎development", it read.
‎
‎Reaffirming its solidarity with the victims, their families, and the broader trading community, GARDJA pledged to continue advocating for the safety and well-being of Ghanaian farmers and traders.
‎
‎"We remain committed to raising
‎awareness about the risks faced by our farmers and traders, advocating for their safety, and highlighting the resilience of our country’s agricultural sector in the face of adversity", the statement concluded.