The National Chairman of the Ghana National Tomatoes Traders and Transporters Association (GNTTTA), Eric Osei Tuffuor, has announced an immediate suspension of all travel to Burkina Faso following the deadly attack on Ghanaian traders.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Tuffuor stated that women have been barred from travelling, and any trader attempting to import tomatoes from Burkina Faso from tomorrow will face sanctions.
His announcement comes after armed insurgents ambushed a group of 18 Ghanaian tomato traders and truck drivers travelling to Burkina Faso to purchase tomatoes. The attack resulted in seven deaths and left several others injured.
“Currently, we have halted women from traveling, and anyone who attempts to import tomatoes starting tomorrow will face sanctions. We have also suspended all travels to Burkina Faso as we need to assess the situation and understand what has transpired,” he said.
Mr. Tuffuor described the trade as risky, noting that traders have sometimes survived bomb blasts due to the volatile security conditions in the region.
He explained that Ghana’s tomato production is seasonal, making imports from Burkina Faso necessary to meet national demand.
“Our job can be risky, and sometimes we survive bomb blasts. However, we cannot delay for too long — we must continue importing tomatoes, or it will negatively impact the country. In Ghana, we face a shortage of tomatoes, as they are seasonal. Therefore, imports from Burkina Faso are essential,” he said.
Regarding the victims, Mr. Tuffuor revealed that the bodies had to be buried on-site due to the condition in which they were found. He noted that DNA tests will be conducted to properly identify the deceased.
“We are still in discussions with the government and plan to conclude our meeting today,” he added.
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