Ahiafor Urges MPs to Avoid Partisan Politics Over Burkina Faso Trader Killings
Deputy Speaker urges lawmakers to prioritise national unity and citizen protection over political point‑scoring after eight Ghanaian traders were killed in Burkina Faso.
- First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor urges MPs to avoid partisan comments and handle the trader killings with sensitivity
- NPP MP John Ntim Fordjour criticised delayed travel advisories
- arliament emphasised national solidarity
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has urged Members of Parliament to refrain from politicising the killing of eight Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso, warning against partisan commentary on the tragic incident.
Presiding over proceedings in Parliament on Thursday, the Akatsi South MP appealed for restraint and diplomacy during deliberations on a statement concerning the deaths. He emphasised that the matter required sensitivity and national unity rather than political blame-shifting.
His remarks followed contributions from lawmakers on both sides of the House.
John Ntim Fordjour, the New Patriotic Party MP for Assin South, criticised the government for failing to issue a timely travel advisory on the security situation in Burkina Faso, arguing that the alert came only after the attack.
In response, Samuel Atta Mills, the National Democratic Congress MP for Edina Eguafo Abrem, contended that the previous NPP administration had not utilised $12 million earmarked for the construction of the Pwalugu Dam.
According to him, the dam project was intended to boost irrigation for tomato cultivation locally, which could have reduced Ghanaian traders’ dependence on produce from Burkina Faso and minimised exposure to cross-border risks.
Reiterating his position, Mr Ahiafor stressed that while it is Parliament’s duty to hold the government accountable, exploiting a national tragedy for partisan advantage weakens collective efforts to protect citizens.
The House extended condolences to the bereaved families and called for stronger collaboration to address cross-border security threats and safeguard Ghanaian traders.
