A heated debate erupted in Parliament on Thursday, February 19, 2026, as Members of Parliament clashed over the recent deadly attack on Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso that claimed eight lives.
The session, initially focused on calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the attack and measures to safeguard Ghanaians abroad, quickly descended into partisan exchanges.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle expressed concern about the safety of Ghanaian nationals engaged in cross-border trade and urged government action to address growing security threats in the sub-region.
However, the debate took a political turn when Samuel Atta Mills, Member of Parliament for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), referenced the stalled Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project.
He argued that the proposed irrigation project, which was intended to strengthen domestic agricultural production and reduce reliance on imports, had failed to meet expectations despite significant public investment.
His remarks drew sharp objections from the Minority caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who insisted that the House remain focused on the Burkina Faso attack rather than shifting to domestic political disputes.
The protest triggered tense exchanges, with MPs trading accusations and defending their respective party records.
Despite the divisions, Parliament is expected to continue deliberations on potential steps, including a formal inquiry, aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the attack and strengthening protections for Ghanaian traders operating outside the country.
