The bereaved family of Constance Nyarko, popularly known as Yaa Yaa, together with tomato traders at the Koforidua Market, have appealed to the government to facilitate the exhumation and return of her charred body from Burkina Faso for reburial in Koforidua.

Yaa Yaa was reportedly killed alongside seven others in a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso. Following the incident, her remains were buried in the neighbouring country.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the head of the bereaved family, Opanyin Akore, said the painful circumstances surrounding her death, coupled with her burial outside Ghana, continue to deepen the grief of the family.

According to him, giving Yaa Yaa a proper burial on her ancestral land will bring closure to the family and allow them to organize befitting final funeral rites in line with tradition.

“Everything is in the hands of the government. We cannot go to Burkina Faso to bring her remains for burial, so the government should work on it. We thank President Mahama for visiting our sister at the hospital. We also appreciate the MCE’s visit to commiserate with us.”

Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben South Municipal Assembly, Ransford Owusu Boakye, on behalf of the Eastern Regional Minister, on Friday visited the bereaved family and traders at the Koforidua Market to commiserate with them.

He assured both the family and the traders of the government’s support during this difficult period.

He also assured the traders of enhanced security but urged them to also be security conscious when embarking on cross-border trade.

Tomato sellers at the Koforidua Market appealed to the Government of Ghana to negotiate with the Burkina Faso government to bring the remains of their colleague to be laid to rest on her ancestral land.

They described Yaa Yaa as a hardworking and dedicated trader whose absence has created a huge vacuum.

“We beg the President to bring the remains for burial, even if it will come in ashes. We need the body to pay our last respects to her. It is painful that her remains have remained in another country,” some of the traders said.

The traders also warned of an imminent shortage of tomatoes in the market following the tragic incident, calling for urgent measures to stabilise supply.