Stop Partisan Comments on Killing of Ghanaian Traders in Burkina Faso – Ahiafor Cautions MPs

Accra: First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Benard Ahiafor, has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to exercise restraint and diplomacy in their remarks following the killing of eight Ghanaian tomato traders by suspected jihadists in Burkina Faso, cautioning against partisan commentary on the tragic incident. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ahiafor, who is also the MP for Akatsi South, gave the advice in Parliament on Thursday while presiding over proceedings during discussions on a statement regarding the deaths of the traders. He stressed that the matter should be handled with sensitivity and unity rather than political point-scoring. Earlier, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Assin South, criticised the government for failing to issue a travel advisory to Ghanaians on the security situation in Burkina Faso before the attack, noting that the advisory was issued only after the incident. In a reaction, Mr Samuel Atta Mills, National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Edina Egua fo Abrem, argued that the previous NPP administration had failed to utilise $12 million allocated for the construction of the Pwalugu Dam. He said the dam was intended to support irrigation for tomato cultivation and would have reduced Ghanaian traders' reliance on tomatoes from Burkina Faso. Mr Atta Mills maintained that completion of the dam would have provided local traders with sufficient and quality tomatoes, thereby avoiding the risks associated with cross-border trade. Reiterating his call, Mr Ahiafor said while holding the government accountable was important, partisan attacks during a national tragedy undermined collective efforts to protect citizens. He urged MPs to adopt a united front in addressing security challenges and safeguarding the lives of Ghanaian traders. The House expressed condolences to the bereaved families and called for enhanced collaboration to address cross-border security concerns.