Security analyst Richard Kumado has expressed disappointment over the politicisation of the recent tragedy involving eight Ghanaian tomato traders killed by terrorists in Burkina Faso.
Addressing critics who claim the Interior Minister lacks the capacity to handle the situation, Mr Kumado argued that such assertions stem from a lack of understanding regarding national security.
He explained that since the Interior Minister also oversees National Security, he is fully empowered to lead security discussions with his Burkinabe counterparts.
Speaking on As It Is in Ghana via Rainbow Radio (87.5FM Ghana and 92.4FM UK), Mr Kumado stated, “The Interior Minister is also the Minister for National Security. Act 1030, which the NPP [enacted] in changing the BNI and other names, required that any minister can be in charge of national security. If the argument is that the Foreign Affairs Minister should have a discussion with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Burkina Faso, that is perfect; but if anyone should claim that [the Minister] in his capacity is not qualified or has no power to do that, then people don’t know what they are saying and have no knowledge of our security architecture.”
Mr Kumado noted that the traders unfortunately failed to conduct proper security and risk assessments before travelling into the volatile region.
Additionally, he ruled out suggestions for military escorts for traders, describing the idea as a breach of security protocols that could create diplomatic friction. He argued that the Burkina Faso government—which is currently at war with terrorists—must lead any protection efforts within their borders.
“This [military escorts] could lead to civil war,” he warned, stressing that there are better ways to handle the crisis.
To prevent future tragedies, the analyst proposed two primary structural shifts, namely agricultural investment and centralised markets.
He pointed out that the traders proceeded to Burkina Faso without undertaking requisite security and risk.
He dismissed the notion of furnishing military escorts for traders, cautioning that such action would contravene security protocols and potentially escalate tensions between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
He advised Ghana to invest in the specific tomato varieties found in Burkina Faso and establish a centralised market, thereby ensuring traders can procure goods safely domestically.
“Ghana must invest heavily in domestic tomato farming, specifically planting the varieties that traders currently travel to Burkina Faso to source. Establishing a centralised local market would make it easier for traders to purchase goods safely within Ghana, removing the need to enter high-risk zones.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
