A security analyst and researcher, Paul Boateng, has called on the government to provide comprehensive security advice for Ghanaian traders, particularly those traveling to neighboring countries for business.
His call comes in the wake of the killing of eight Ghanaian tomato traders during an attack by Islamist insurgents in Titao, a town in northern Burkina Faso, on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
The victims were part of a group of 18 traders who had gone to Burkina Faso to purchase tomatoes when militants stormed the town, separating men from women before opening fire.
Speaking in an interview with Barima Kofi Dawson on “Kro Yi Mu Nsem,” Boateng stressed the importance of traders being informed about potential security threats and taking proactive measures to ensure their safety before embarking on journeys, particularly to high-risk areas.
“Every time traders plan to travel, they should consult with security experts who can provide on-the-ground intelligence and analysis to identify potential risks and recommend proactive measures to ensure their safety,” he said.
Boateng acknowledged that implementing such measures may incur costs but argued that it is a necessary investment to protect traders and anyone traveling to other countries, especially neighboring nations.
“If we have people with security expertise, they can identify patterns and anticipate when terrorists might strike for their rituals. Then we can alert our traders, advise them, and potentially prevent attacks,” he explained.
He also noted that some traders may have unintentionally interacted with terrorists, making it crucial for security experts to identify these individuals and provide guidance and support.
Boateng expressed concern that Ghana’s security agencies are not doing enough to inform traders about potential risks abroad, leaving them exposed to dangers like terrorism.
“What guidance does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ intelligence units provide to traders, and what is their current intel on terrorist activities? If we don’t get this information, it’ll be tough to move past these horrific incidents,” he said.
He urged traders to take their safety seriously, be vigilant, and seek advice from security experts before traveling.
“It appears that we are letting traders travel without adequate security briefings, and they’re not prioritizing their safety either. We need to address this from both sides: better intelligence from the authorities and increased awareness from the traders themselves,” Boateng concluded.
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