Accra: The Government has appealed to the public to stop circulating graphic images of Ghanaians killed in a terrorist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso, describing the practice as insensitive and deeply distressing to the affected families. Mr Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, the Minister of the Interior, made the appeal while providing an update on the attack involving Ghanaian tomato traders over the weekend.
According to Ghana News Agency, seven Ghanaian men were killed when suspected jihadists attacked the town of Titao on Saturday, February 14. Three others sustained injuries, one of them critically, he said, adding that the victims were part of a group of traders who regularly travelled to Burkina Faso to purchase tomatoes for sale in Ghana. "This is a very sad and unfortunate situation," the Minister said.
"My plea to the public is, please, let's stop sharing these graphic images. If this is posted that your loved one is dead and this is how bad the body is, would you be happy? Let's be sensitive to each other," he said. Mr. Muntaka disclosed that the attackers reportedly stormed the town and began shooting residents, setting vehicles ablaze.
The Ghanaian traders were caught up in the violence, and their truck was set on fire, he explained, and that due to the state of the bodies, the Burkina Faso authorities indicated they would proceed with burial arrangements as decomposition had begun. Mr Muntaka said Ghana's mission in Burkina Faso had been in constant contact with the local authorities since the incident, however, security concerns had made it difficult for Ghanaian officials to access the attack site immediately.
"The place is not safe enough for our mission staff to go there. The Burkina Faso authorities have assured us that they will take photographs and other relevant evidence, and when it is safe, create a passage for our officials," he said. The surviving traders, including women who were on the truck at the time of the attack, had helped in identifying the victims.
Some of the deceased, he said, were carrying Ghana Cards and other identification documents, adding that Government was also seeking to take samples for possible DNA testing to aid confirmation. The Minister said families of the victims would be informed before any official release of names.
"We need to tell the families first before we put out their names. We are working to confirm through the Burkina Faso authorities those who are truly dead and those who are injured." He condoled with the bereaved families and assured that government would make efforts to support them and facilitate the safe return of the injured.
Mr Muntaka called for a coordinated regional action to address the worsening security situation in parts of the Sahel. "Anything that affects any of our sister countries affects us," he said, adding; "We must work together, share intelligence and create a safe haven within the sub-region so that our people can trade and move freely without fear."