Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed intentions to enhance security collaboration with Burkina Faso after a tragic extremist attack that resulted in the deaths of eight Ghanaians in Titao.
During a press conference in Burkina Faso on Friday, February 20, the minister stated that both countries have initiated discussions on a new joint security framework to address the increasing terrorist threat in the region.
Mr. Ablakwa stated that both governments have firmly condemned the recent violent extremist attack in Titao, a northern town in Burkina Faso, which resulted in the deaths of several civilians, including Ghanaian citizens.
“We have decided to deepen our security cooperation,” he stated. “We are currently negotiating a security framework which will help us to work together and collectively to neutralise these violent extremists.”
He stressed that Ghana and Burkina Faso are determined to prevent the sub-region from becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups.
“We do not want our region to become the haven of these terrorists. We don’t like the fact that this has become the epicentre of global terror,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa warned that leaders in the region are united in their commitment to address extremism.
“We are determined as leaders to uproot this canker and to make sure that these violent extremists are neutralised,” Mr. Ablakwa added.
The minister also extended Ghana’s condolences to the families of the victims and expressed sympathy to the people of Burkina Faso regarding the tragic event.
He additionally praised the Government of Burkina Faso for its prompt emergency response, especially in providing assistance to injured Ghanaians.
“We want to thank the government of Burkina Faso for the rapid response in helping us to evacuate our injured and airlifting them back to Ghana,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa mentioned that Ghana was impressed with how the Burkinabè authorities managed to contain the situation and restore order.
The proposed bilateral security framework aims to improve intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and overall counter-terrorism collaboration between the two neighboring countries as West Africa confronts increasing extremist threats.
