The Government of Ghana has renewed warnings to traders operating across West African borders following a deadly attack in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of several Ghanaian nationals.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak said the victims were among civilians killed when armed violent extremists stormed a town and opened fire on residents and traders.
Speaking on TV3 Ghana’s *Hot Issues* programme, the minister explained that the attackers arrived on motorbikes and carried out the assault before fleeing the area.
According to him, the armed group is believed to operate in parts of the Sahel region, particularly along the border areas between Mali and Burkina Faso where extremist activity has been persistent.
### Traders ignored earlier warnings
Mr. Mohammed-Mubarak disclosed that Ghanaian authorities had previously advised citizens against travelling to the area due to heightened security risks.
However, some traders reportedly returned after hearing that tomatoes and other goods were selling at lower prices in the market.
He noted that the situation in the region remains volatile, making it dangerous for traders to conduct business in certain border communities.
### Security forces regain control
Following the attack, security forces in Burkina Faso reportedly moved in to restore control of the town.
Despite this, the incident resulted in several civilian casualties, including the Ghanaian traders who had travelled there for business.
### Government renews safety advisory
The Interior Ministry is now urging Ghanaian traders and transporters to strictly follow travel advisories issued by immigration authorities and Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Officials say such guidance is intended to help citizens avoid conflict-prone areas as security threats continue to affect parts of the Sahel.
Authorities have reiterated that traders should always verify the safety of destinations before travelling across borders to conduct business.
