Paga, Upper East Region – A group of seven Ghanaian women, all tomato traders, have safely returned to Ghana after surviving a devastating terrorist attack in Burkina Faso on February 14, 2026. The survivors crossed back into the country at the Paga border on Wednesday, February 18, where they were officially received by the Upper East Regional Security Council after being escorted by Burkinabe security forces.
The women are members of the Ghana National Tomatoes Traders and Transporters Association and had been in Burkina Faso for business purposes when the attack, blamed on suspected jihadist militants, occurred.
Tragically, the incident has now claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in an update that while seven traders were killed instantly during the assault, an eighth victim who had sustained critical injuries has since succumbed to their wounds, raising the final death toll.
Two other Ghanaians who were severely wounded in the attack have been airlifted to Accra to receive specialized medical care.
In response to the incident, President John Dramani Mahama has extended the government's deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The government has strongly condemned the attack as a senseless act of violence and has voiced its solidarity with the people and authorities of Burkina Faso during this challenging period.
As a direct consequence of the heightened threat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued updated travel advisories for the sub-region. Ghanaians are urged to exercise extreme caution and consult with the Ministry or Ghanaian diplomatic missions before undertaking any essential travel to high-risk areas. Furthermore, Ghanaian citizens residing in countries affected by extremist violence are advised to limit their movements, stay in close contact with their embassies, keep emergency contacts handy, and ensure their identification documents are up to date to facilitate swift consular assistance if required.
The government has reiterated its call for stronger regional cooperation among West African nations to effectively combat the escalating threat of terrorism, emphasizing the urgent need for a unified security strategy.
