Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced plans to strengthen security cooperation with Burkina Faso following a deadly extremist attack that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians in Titao.
Speaking at a press conference in Burkina Faso on Friday, February 20, the minister said both countries have begun negotiations on a new joint security framework aimed at confronting the growing terrorist threat in the region.
Joint resolve against extremism
Mr. Ablakwa said the two governments strongly condemned the latest violent extremist assault in the northern Burkinabè town of Titao, which killed several civilians, including Ghanaian nationals.
“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.
Condolences and appreciation
The minister also renewed Ghana’s condolences to the families of the victims and commiserated with the people of Burkina Faso over the tragic incident.
He further commended the Government of Burkina Faso for its swift emergency response, particularly in assisting 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 noted that Ghana was impressed with how Burkinabè authorities contained the situation and restored calm.
The planned bilateral security framework is expected to enhance intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and broader counter-terrorism collaboration between the two neighbouring countries as West Africa faces escalating extremist threats.
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