Traders deserve same security escort as politicians - Ntim Fordjour

Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, John Ntim Fordjour, has called for equal security protection for Ghanaian traders travelling, insisting that the same level of escort provided to politicians should be extended to them.

He made the remarks in an interview on TV3 on February 17, 2026, while discussing broader security mechanisms in the wake of the February 14, 2026, terror attack in Burkina Faso that targeted Ghanaian tomato traders.

The attack, which has heightened fears among traders who travel across the northern border to purchase and transport tomatoes into Ghana, has raised concerns about possible disruptions in supply.

Burkina Faso Terror Attack: Government issues new travel advisory

Experts are already warning of potential shortages and price hikes if adequate protection and confidence-building measures are not introduced quickly.

Addressing the issue, Ntim Fordjour stressed that the Ministry of Defence must as a matter of urgency conduct a comprehensive risk assessment if that has not already been done.

“When it comes to trans-border trips for traders, the Ministry of Defence should undertake a proper risk assessment if that has not already been done. As Ranking Member on the Defence Committee, I can say that we have not been apprised of any such risk assessment regarding Burkina Faso,” he said.

According to him, any such assessment should not remain a classified document without practical guidance for those directly affected.

He argued that traders must be properly informed about the security landscape in Burkina Faso, especially areas considered volatile.

“If such a report becomes available, it should clearly advise travellers to Burkina Faso about identified hotspots and areas that are considered no-go zones. It should also outline the relatively safer areas where traders can operate,” he noted.

Beyond intelligence sharing, the Assin South MP called for concrete security arrangements for traders whose businesses depend on cross-border travel.

He maintained that if state officials are given armed escorts and coordinated protection when travelling to Burkina Faso, traders deserve similar safeguards.

“Beyond that, there must be an additional layer of protection. Even in designated safe areas, there should be arrangements for security escorts to ensure that traders who must, by necessity, travel to Burkina Faso for business are adequately protected.

“When a politician, Minister, Deputy Minister or CEO travels to Burkina Faso, they receive full protection from the relevant security agencies to guarantee their safety. If political office holders are protected to travel and return safely, then traders deserve that same level of protection, especially given the security challenges in the sub-region and within our neighbouring countries,” he added.

Watch the interview below:

"If the politician is protected to travel and return safely with security escort, the trader ought to be offered that same protection." - John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member, Defence and Interior Committee#3NewsGH #TV3GH pic.twitter.com/fbZV0JWxXM

— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) February 17, 2026