By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, Feb 17, GNA – The Government of Ghana has confirmed that the jihadist attack in Titao in northern Burkina Faso on February 14, 2026, has claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian nationals.
The victims were all members of the Ghana National Tomatoes Traders and Transporters Association engaged in lawful trading activities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said the latest victim succumbed to injuries after receiving medical treatment, bringing the total fatalities from the attack to eight.
President John Mahama and the Government conveyed profound commiserations to the bereaved families and condemned the act, expressing solidarity with the Government and people of Burkina Faso.
The Government emphasised that the incident reflected the urgent need for a renewed collective regional security approach, as reiterated during the recent High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security hosted by President Mahama.
On the President’s instructions and following medical consultations, the Government has initiated an immediate air medical evacuation of all Ghanaian victims in Burkina Faso, with the Ghana Air Force conducting the operation.
The victims are expected to arrive in Ghana later on Tuesday. Ghana’s Ambassador in Burkina Faso and embassy staff are maintaining direct contact with the injured nationals, while authorities acknowledged the cooperation of the Burkinabe Government in facilitating the intervention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has meanwhile issued new travel guidelines for Ghanaians heading to high-risk areas within the sub-region and placed Ghana’s embassies and high commissions in selected jurisdictions on high consular alert.
Ghanaians intending to undertake essential travel to areas of concern have been advised to contact the Ministry or Ghana’s diplomatic missions for guidance.
Those already living in affected jurisdictions have also been urged to restrict movement, maintain regular communication with embassies, provide emergency contacts, and keep identification documents accessible for possible consular assistance.
The attack occurred in Titao, a town in Burkina Faso’s northern region that has in recent years witnessed growing extremist violence linked to the wider Sahel security crisis.
The victims had travelled to the area as part of cross-border trade activities, which have long supported livelihoods and food supply chains between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Initial reports indicated that seven Ghanaian traders were killed during the assault while four others sustained serious injuries and were receiving treatment in Burkina Faso.
One of the injured later died, raising the death toll to eight.
The Government said the incident reflects the rising risks faced by traders and transporters operating in parts of the Sahel.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, safety and security of Ghanaian citizens, adding that further updates would be provided when necessary.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba