Ghana activates border bases, deploys defence attachés after Burkina Faso terrorist attack on traders

Ghana is deploying defence attachés to six countries, activating two forward operating bases along its northern borders and tightening surveillance along major routes following the attack on Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso that left eight people dead and three injured.

The Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, outlined the measures on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when he briefed the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence, Interior, Foreign Affairs and National Security.

Mr Genfi said two forward operating bases at Jirapa and Hamile are ready and will soon become fully operational. He said the facilities are intended to strengthen security along Ghana’s northern frontier, which borders Burkina Faso.

He added that surveillance along major border corridors has been intensified to detect and deter cross-border threats.

He also said the government has approved the deployment of defence attachés to six countries identified as high-risk. These are Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Israel, Iran and Libya.

According to him, the postings are aimed at improving the safety of Ghanaians living, working or travelling in those countries, while also providing intelligence support and strengthening diplomatic engagement.

Mr Genfi told the committee that Ghana will continue to work with authorities in Burkina Faso despite the attack taking place there. He said targeted joint training is underway to improve escort duties and security operations in response to gaps exposed by the incident.

He added that selected Ghanaian security personnel will undergo further academic and intelligence training at specialised centres, with attention on escort operations.

He said this forms part of a broader plan to protect Ghanaian citizens both within and outside the country.

The briefing follows the recent attack on Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso, which has raised concerns about the safety of citizens engaged in cross-border trade.

Burkina Faso is among the countries in the Sahel region facing ongoing security challenges, with terrorists posing risks to civilians, including foreign nationals.

Mr Genfi said the measures form part of a long-term plan to strengthen national security and protect Ghanaians at home and abroad.

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