The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has revealed that the government is in active discussions with authorities in Burkina Faso to enhance security for Ghanaian tomato traders following recent deadly attacks on cross-border traders.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Super Morning Show on February 18, 2026, Mr. Dumelo disclosed that Ghana’s security agencies are collaborating with their counterparts in Burkina Faso to ensure safe passage for traders who travel between the two neighbouring countries.
According to him, he held a meeting with the Deputy Minister for the Interior to discuss urgent security concerns affecting tomato traders.
“Yesterday, I had a brief meeting with my colleague, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, and we had a tete-a-tete about it,” he said.
He explained that the Interior Ministry is currently engaging security officials on the Burkinabè side to explore formal security arrangements for Ghanaian traders operating across the border.
“Our security jurisdiction ends at the border. After that, it is taken over by the Ouagadougou officials,” he noted, referencing authorities in Ouagadougou.
Mr. Dumelo stressed that Ghana’s security agencies cannot operate beyond the country’s borders, making bilateral cooperation critical to protecting traders.
He added that discussions are focused on developing a structured security framework that will allow traders to travel safely into and out of Burkina Faso.
“And so that’s the kind of talks that we are into. Hopefully, in the next couple of days, we will have a clear road map,” he said.
The Deputy Minister’s comments follow recent terrorist attacks in northern Burkina Faso that reportedly killed several Ghanaian tomato traders and injured others. The incidents have heightened anxiety among farmers, traders, and civil society groups, with media and agricultural associations calling for stronger protection measures for Ghanaians engaged in cross-border trade.
Tomato trading between Ghana and Burkina Faso remains a vital economic activity, particularly for traders in northern Ghana who frequently cross the border to purchase produce. The trade plays a significant role in sustaining livelihoods, ensuring food supply, and stabilising market prices.
Mr. Dumelo emphasised that while the Ministry of the Interior is leading the security discussions at the regional level, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is focused on safeguarding the welfare and economic interests of farmers and traders.
He underscored that protecting traders is essential not only for their safety but also for Ghana’s food security and price stability.
“We want them to be able to trade and come back safely,” he stated. “That is the focus of these engagements.”