Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has appealed to the public to stop circulating distressing images and videos showing the burnt bodies of victims killed in a terrorist attack in northern Burkina Faso involving Ghanaian traders. He described sharing such content as insensitive and harmful to the families who are still grieving.
The attack occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026, when a truck carrying 18 Ghanaian tomato traders — 10 men and eight women — was caught up in a violent confrontation between extremist fighters and Burkina Faso security forces near Titao in the country’s north. The assailants reportedly forced women off the vehicle, opened fire and set the truck on fire, killing several people instantly and leaving the remains badly burnt.
Mr Mubarak extended condolences to the bereaved families and explained that some of the victims have not yet been formally identified or notified to their loved ones. He stressed that sharing videos and pictures of their burnt bodies adds to the trauma of relatives who may see the images before learning the full facts.
Burkina Faso authorities, with approval from the Government of Ghana, have buried the deceased following the tragic incident. DNA samples were taken before burial to help officially identify the victims so their families can be informed.
Despite the tragedy, some traders survived the attack. Several were injured, with a few sustaining serious burns. Arrangements are underway to transfer them to hospital care in Ouagadougou, where Ghana’s diplomatic mission will provide support.
Mr Mubarak reiterated his appeal to the public to be thoughtful and respectful by stopping the sharing of graphic footage, saying it is important to protect the dignity of the victims and respect the feelings of grieving families.
