Ghana evacuates nationals injured in Burkina Faso attack

Ghana evacuated its nationals injured in a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso that killed seven Ghanaian traders, transporting the survivors to Accra for medical treatment, according to a statement issued by the Ghana Armed Forces on Wednesday.

The military said the evacuation involved three Ghanaian tomato traders wounded during the attack on Saturday in the northern Burkinabe town of Titao. The operation formed part of a coordinated humanitarian and security response by the government.

“The mission was conducted on Tuesday by the Ghana Air Force,” the statement read. “The injured have since been conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital for further medical assessment and treatment.”

The Armed Forces expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Government officials said the victims were part of a group of Ghanaian tomato traders who had travelled to Burkina Faso for commercial activities when armed militants attacked the town.

The traders regularly crossed the border to purchase tomatoes and other agricultural produce as part of a longstanding informal trade between the two countries.

Cross-border commerce between northern Ghana and Burkina Faso is a vital source of livelihood for traders and an important supply route for food products, despite growing security risks in the region.

Burkina Faso has faced worsening violence in recent years from terrorist groups linked to al Qaeda and Daesh, with attacks spreading across the Sahel and increasingly targeting civilians and economic activity.

The deteriorating security situation has heightened concerns among neighbouring countries about potential spillover, prompting closer coordination.

Ghanaian officials said engagement with Burkinabe authorities is continuing as efforts focus on treating the survivors and supporting affected families

SOURCE: AA