President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday visited survivors of the recent terrorist attack in northern Burkina Faso who are currently receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, in a show of state solidarity following the deadly incident that claimed the lives of several Ghanaian nationals.
The president met two injured traders who were among a group of Ghanaian tomato merchants ambushed by armed assailants while traveling by truck through a conflict-prone area near the Ghana–Burkina Faso corridor. The attack, which occurred on Saturday, has intensified regional concerns about cross-border insecurity and the safety of traders operating within the West African subregion.
Mahama, accompanied by his Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, spent time speaking with the victims and medical personnel, expressing condolences and assuring the injured that the government will fully cover their medical expenses.
“Government will take care of your treatment. Focus on recovery,” the president reportedly told the survivors during the visit.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
The injured traders were airlifted from the attack zone by the Ghana Armed Forces in a coordinated rescue operation conducted earlier this week. Military officials confirmed that the evacuation formed part of ongoing humanitarian and security measures to support Ghanaian citizens affected by violence beyond the country’s borders.
Upon arrival in Accra, the survivors were transferred to the 37 Military Hospital for specialist care and observation.
Authorities say seven other Ghanaian traders who died in the attack have already been buried, marking one of the deadliest incidents involving Ghanaian civilians outside the country in recent months.
Regional Security Concerns
The attack has renewed public debate about the growing security threat posed by armed groups operating in parts of the Sahel, particularly along trade routes used by West African merchants. Northern Burkina Faso has experienced persistent insurgent violence in recent years, with civilians, transport convoys, and traders often targeted.
Security analysts warn that such incidents highlight the vulnerability of informal cross-border trade networks that many West African economies depend on for agricultural distribution and livelihood support.
Government Response
Officials say Ghana is working through diplomatic and security channels to strengthen cooperation with neighboring states to protect citizens traveling or conducting business abroad. The presidency has also indicated that further measures may be announced to improve safety protocols for traders moving goods across borders.
