Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, has announced plans to strengthen security cooperation with Burkina Faso following a deadly extremist attack in the northern town of Titao that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians.
Speaking at a press conference in Burkina Faso on Friday, February 20, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that both countries have begun negotiations on a new joint security framework to confront the growing terrorist threat in the region.
Joint Resolve Against Extremism
Mr. Ablakwa said the two governments strongly condemned the latest violent extremist assault, 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 emphasised 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 stressed that leaders in the region are united in their commitment to tackling extremism.
“We are determined as leaders to uproot this canker and to make sure that these violent extremists are neutralised,” he added.
Condolences and Appreciation
The minister renewed Ghana’s condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the people of Burkina Faso. He also commended the Burkinabè government 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 by how authorities in Burkina Faso acted quickly to contain the situation and restore calm.
The proposed bilateral security framework is expected to enhance intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and broader counter-terrorism collaboration between the two neighbouring countries, as West Africa continues to face escalating extremist threats.
