The Government of Ghana has confirmed that eight Ghanaian nationals have died following a terrorist attack in Titao, located in Burkina Faso’s Northern Province, on February 14, 2026.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, February 17, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that seven members of the Ghana National Tomatoes Traders and Transporters Association were initially killed while conducting lawful trading activities in the area. The death toll later rose to eight after one of four critically injured victims succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.
President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana conveyed their “profound commiserations to the families and loved ones” of the deceased. The government strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “mindless act of terror,” and expressed solidarity with the Government and people of Burkina Faso.
The statement emphasised the urgent need for renewed regional collaboration to address growing security threats across West Africa. It referenced the recent High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security hosted by President Mahama, underscoring Ghana’s call for a stronger collective approach to combating extremism in the sub-region.
Following medical consultations and on the President’s instructions, the Government announced the immediate air evacuation of all surviving Ghanaian victims from Burkina Faso. The Ghana Air Force has been tasked with conducting the medical evacuation, and the injured nationals are expected to arrive in Ghana later the same day.
Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso and embassy officials are maintaining direct contact with the affected individuals and their families. The Ministry also expressed appreciation to the Burkinabè authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the evacuation and providing necessary assistance.
In response to the attack, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced new travel guidelines for high-risk areas within the West African sub-region. Ghana’s embassies and high commissions in selected jurisdictions have been placed on high consular alert to enhance monitoring and emergency response measures.
The Government has advised Ghanaians planning essential travel to areas of concern to first consult the Ministry or the appropriate Ghanaian diplomatic mission for guidance. For those already residing in regions where extremist violence has been recorded, the Ministry recommended restricting movement, maintaining regular communication with Ghana’s embassies, sharing emergency contact details, and ensuring that identification documents are readily accessible to facilitate swift consular assistance if necessary.
“The safety, security, and well-being of Ghanaians remain our utmost priority,” the statement emphasised. Authorities assured citizens that the situation is being closely monitored and that further updates will be provided as needed.
Citizens requiring urgent consular assistance may contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its designated emergency telephone numbers or official email channels.
The tragic attack once again highlights the escalating security challenges facing the Sahel region and reinforces calls for stronger regional cooperation to protect lives and livelihoods.
