President Mahama convenes urgent security meeting over Burkina Faso attack

President John Dramani Mahama has convened an urgent high-level meeting with security chiefs and foreign affairs officials following the killing of seven Ghanaian traders in a terrorist attack at Titao in Burkina Faso.

Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, who made the disclosure on Monday during an interview, said the President’s intervention underscored the need for enhanced regional cooperation to address escalating insecurity in some parts of West Africa.

The attack, which occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026 targeted a group of Ghanaian tomato traders travelling in a truck to purchase the produce in Burkina Faso.

Seven Ghanaian men were killed, and three others injured when suspected jihadists stormed the town, separated the men from the women, and opened fire before setting the vehicle ablaze.

Describing the broader implications of the incident, the Interior Minister said the President had earlier recognised the transnational nature of the threat and the need for collective action.

“President Mahama saw the need to call for a meeting for us to work together. Our citizens intermarry, they inter-trade, and they move across borders. What affects one country affects all,” he said.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak revealed that only weeks ago, regional consultations were held in Accra involving security heads and foreign ministers from countries including Mali, Liberia and Ghana, to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint responses to extremist violence.

He noted that no single country in the sub-region could tackle the threat alone.

“That’s why President Mahama said that, look, can we all work together and try and create a safe haven within the subregion by sharing intelligence, by working together to be able to defeat these jihadists without necessarily waiting for them to get to us,” he said.

The Minister noted that the deteriorating security situation in parts of Burkina Faso and neighbouring Sahel countries posed risks not only to local populations but also to traders and migrants who rely on cross-border movement for their livelihoods.

Attacks by extremist groups in northern Burkina Faso have increased in frequency and intensity, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement.

Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Ghanaian nationals abroad while working with regional partners under ECOWAS frameworks to address the root causes of violent extremism.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak assured the public that government would continue engaging Burkina Faso authorities to support affected families and secure safe evacuation of survivors.

Source: GNA