By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
Accra, Feb. 16, GNA – Mr Richard Kumadoe, a Security Consultant and Fraud Prevention Expert, has proposed the establishment of centralised markets in northern Ghana and increased investment in local tomato and onion production following confirmation of a terrorist attack on Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso.
The Ministry of the Interior and National Security on Sunday February 15, confirmed that a truck carrying Ghanaian tomato traders was caught in a terrorist attack at Titao in Burkina Faso on February 14, 2026.
Reacting to the incident, Mr Kumadoe described it as a serious security wake-up call and urged government to adopt structured, long-term measures to safeguard Ghanaian traders who depend on cross-border routes for agricultural produce.
He called for the creation of a centralised tomato market in Bolgatanga to serve as a safer aggregation point for produce entering the country through the Bawku and Paga corridors.
According to him, tomatoes from Burkina Faso could be transported through these designated routes and distributed across Ghana, with traders and consumers prepared to absorb marginal increases in transportation costs in exchange for improved safety.
Mr Kumadoe further suggested the establishment of another centralised market in Tamale to facilitate the importation of tomatoes and onions through Yendi, thereby reducing unregulated travel to high-risk areas.
Beyond restructuring supply routes, he called for deliberate investment to empower Ghanaian farmers to produce tomatoes and onions locally, particularly in Tamale and surrounding communities.
He recommended that farmers procure improved seed varieties from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to boost productivity and gradually reduce Ghana’s reliance on cross-border sourcing from conflict-prone areas.
“If we strengthen domestic production while maintaining structured and secure trade channels, the travel-related risks can be drastically minimised,” he said.
He also advised traders and travellers to conduct proper travel risk assessments before embarking on cross-border journeys and to liaise with Ghana’s diplomatic missions for travel guidance and possible security escort arrangements.
Mr Kumadoe emphasised that proactive risk management, agricultural investment and coordinated market systems were necessary to safeguard Ghanaian lives while ensuring stability in the food supply chain.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior has indicated that Ghana’s Embassy in Burkina Faso is engaging local authorities to obtain further details and identify any Ghanaian nationals affected by the attack.
GNA
16 February 2026
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo / Lydia Kukua Asamoah