The government of Ghana has confirmed that eight Ghanaian nationals lost their lives in the horrific jihadist attack that struck the northern Burkina Faso town of Titao on February 14, 2026, as authorities simultaneously issued urgent new travel guidelines for citizens contemplating journeys to high-risk areas within the West African sub-region.

In an update released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the death toll had risen from the initially reported seven to eight, following the death of a severely injured victim who had been receiving medical treatment in Burkina Faso. 

All eight deceased were members of the Ghana National Tomatoes Traders and Transporters Association, engaged in legitimate commercial activities in the troubled Titao area when they were ambushed and murdered by terrorist elements.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a Facebook post accompanying the official press release, confirmed the Government's immediate response to the tragedy. "Government provides further update and new travel guidelines in the aftermath of the terror attack in Burkina Faso which claimed Ghanaian lives: 8 Ghanaians have now died; Ghana strongly condemns and denounces terrorism, and all forms of violent extremism," he wrote.

The Minister further disclosed that on the direct instruction of President John Mahama, a medical evacuation operation has been swiftly activated to bring home all injured Ghanaian victims. "On President Mahama's instruction — all injured Ghanaians are to be evacuated by medevac today," Ablakwa stated, confirming that the Ghana Airforce is executing the operation. The victims are expected to arrive on Ghanaian soil later today.

"We extend our deepest condolences to all bereaved families and loved ones," the Foreign Minister added.

The government's statement denounced the attack in the strongest possible terms, describing it as a "mindless act of terror" and a "despicable horror." 

It expressed profound solidarity with the Government and people of Burkina Faso during what it termed "this dark hour." The statement underscored that this latest atrocity serves as a grim reminder of the "urgent need for a new collective approach in pursuing regional security," a position Ghana has consistently advocated, most recently at last month's High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security hosted by President Mahama.

Ghana's Ambassador to Burkina Faso and mission staff remain actively seized with the matter, maintaining direct contact with the injured compatriots. The Government acknowledged the full cooperation of Burkinabe authorities in granting the necessary approvals to facilitate Ghana's interventions aimed at protecting its citizens.

In a development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled new, stringent travel guidelines for Ghanaians intending to visit high-risk areas within the sub-region. 

Citizens are now strongly advised to first contact the Ministry or Ghana's Embassies accredited to the territories they wish to visit for necessary guidance before embarking on any essential travel to areas of concern.

For Ghanaians already residing in jurisdictions where violent extremism attacks have been recorded, the government recommends that movement be restricted. Such individuals are urged to maintain regular communication with Ghanaian Embassies, provide emergency contacts, and ensure that identification documents are accessible at all times to expedite the provision of consular assistance should the need arise.

The government has assured the public that it is closely monitoring the security situation and remains in contact with relevant authorities to safeguard the welfare of Ghanaian citizens. "The safety, security, and well-being of Ghanaians remain our utmost priority," the statement affirmed, adding that further updates would be provided as necessary.

Citizens in distress or requiring urgent consular assistance have been directed to reach out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via provided telephone numbers and email addresses, with Ghana's Embassies and High Commissions in selected high-risk jurisdictions placed on high consular alert.