Chairman of the Ghana National Tomatoes Traders and Transporters Association (GNTTTA), Eric Osei Tuffuor, has provided a heartbreaking update on the aftermath of the deadly attack on Ghanaian tomato traders near Titao, northern Burkina Faso, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Valentine’s Day.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Osei Tuffuor described the horrific incident, saying that attackers set fire to vehicles, burning many traders inside.
“Some of the women were rescued by government protection forces, but we do not know exactly how many perished in the fire,” he said.
He added that four people were injured and are currently receiving treatment in hospital before being transferred to Ougadougou Central Hospital for further care.
Regarding the victims who died, he revealed that identification has been extremely difficult. “The Burkina Faso government contacted our embassy and explained that it is hard to determine who is Ghanaian and who is Burkinabé without DNA testing. The ambassador confirmed that this is the route they will take before proceeding with the burial,” he said.
According to Mr. Osei Tuffuor, due to the risk in the area, authorities had no choice but to bury the victims together.
“We were informed that the bodies were decomposing and could not be left unburied. Yesterday, around 2pm, they were laid to rest, and pictures and videos were sent to us,” he noted.
He added that he plans to visit the families of the bereaved to personally inform them of the situation. He also urged the public to help account for missing traders.
“If you have a friend or family member who works in the tomato business — whether a trader or loading boy — and they have not been heard from, please contact us so we can determine the next steps,” he said.
Mr. Osei Tuffuor further disclosed that the Minister for Trade and the National Security Council have reached out to the association, and they are awaiting a statement from the President on the way forward.
“For now, sorrow has hit the entire tomatoes traders association,” he added.
This tragic attack has sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian trading community, highlighting the continued dangers faced by traders operating in conflict-affected areas.
ALSO READ:
