Member of Parliament for New Juaben South and Ranking Member on the Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee, Michael Okyere Baafi, has expressed concern over the recent terrorist attack in Burkina Faso that affected Ghanaian tomato traders, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and psychological trauma.

In a statement, Mr. Okyere Baafi criticised the Mahama administration for what he described as “glaring incompetence” in safeguarding Ghanaian citizens engaged in cross-border trade.

“This tragedy underscores the government’s failure to protect our people, particularly those involved in cross-border trade that is vital to our economy,” he said. “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 noted that Burkina Faso’s security challenges are well-known, yet the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued no timely advisories, there were no enhanced border patrols, and no coordinated evacuations were arranged for traders who travel these routes daily.

“Our tomato traders are the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural exports, yet they were left exposed like lambs to the slaughter,” Hon. Okyere Baafi said. “Where was the proactive diplomacy with the Burkinabé authorities? Where were the contingency plans from the National Security Council?”

The MP called for immediate government action, including a parliamentary inquiry into the incident, compensation for the victims’ families, and a comprehensive review of Ghana’s regional security protocols.

“Ghanaians deserve better than a government that watches idly as our people perish abroad,” he added.