7 Ghanaian traders killed in Burkina Faso attack laid to rest

Seven Ghanaian traders who lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Titao, northern Burkina Faso, have been buried, as Ghana works to evacuate survivors of the assault.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak confirmed the development during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, February 16. He explained that the victims’ remains were burnt beyond recognition and had begun decomposing, leaving authorities with no choice but to proceed with burial arrangements in Burkina Faso.

“The seven bodies have been burnt beyond recognition. As at yesterday, we agreed they had begun decomposing and had to be buried,” he said.

According to the Minister, Ghana’s diplomatic mission had hoped to be present at the burial, but the volatile security situation made travel unsafe. “So the Burkina Faso authorities told us [Ghanaians] that they would bury them at 10 a.m today. But our women who are not really injured can go and witness and take as many pictures as possible,” he added.

The victims were part of a group of 18 tomato traders and truck drivers caught in the deadly attack last Saturday. Seven were killed, while several others sustained injuries. Mubarak noted that three men were injured, with one woman in critical condition, while others escaped with minor wounds.

Burkina Faso’s military is now working to establish a secure corridor to transport survivors to Ghana’s mission in Ouagadougou. From there, arrangements will be made for their safe return home.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over Ghana’s trading community, underscoring the risks faced by cross-border traders in regions plagued by extremist violence. For the families of the deceased, the hurried burial in foreign soil adds another layer of grief to an already devastating loss.