The Minister for Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has appealed to the public to refrain from sharing images and videos of the burnt bodies of victims of a terrorist attack on a truck transporting Ghanaian tomato traders in northern Burkina Faso.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, February 16, Muntaka extended condolences to the bereaved families and disclosed that the government is still working to evacuate survivors from the affected area, noting that not all families have yet been formally informed of the incident.
The bodies of the deceased have since been buried by Burkina Faso authorities with approval from the Government of Ghana. DNA samples were taken prior to burial to ensure proper identification so families can be notified.
“Unfortunately, on Saturday, our compatriots travelling through Titao were caught in a violent confrontation between extremists and Burkina Faso’s armed forces. 18 Ghanaian tomato traders were affected, 10 men and eight women. The attackers forced the women off the trucks and opened fire indiscriminately.
“Several individuals, including the drivers, died instantly, and the trucks were set ablaze, leaving the bodies burnt beyond recognition.
“Families of the victims are uncertain. Sharing footage of burnt bodies is not only insensitive but also adds to their trauma. I plead with everyone to stop circulating these images and put themselves in the shoes of the grieving families,” he said.
Despite the tragedy, some survivors managed to escape. Three men and one woman sustained serious burns and are currently receiving treatment in hospital, while the remaining seven women are reported to be in stable condition.
Arrangements are underway to transfer them to Ouagadougou, where the Ghanaian mission will provide support and assistance.
