Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire are taking proactive steps to solidify their land and maritime boundaries through a joint committee meeting. The two neighboring countries have a long history of collaboration on border management, and this latest effort aims to further strengthen their cooperation.
The fourth joint anchor committee meeting between the Ghana Boundary Commission and the National Boundary Commission of Cote d'Ivoire will focus on several key objectives. Firstly, the countries will work to ratify framework agreements that will guide their future joint efforts on land and maritime boundaries.
The meeting will develop a plan of action to implement a previous ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea regarding their maritime boundary. This includes establishing joint maritime patrols along the international boundary line to ensure compliance with the tribunal's decision.
Major General Dr. Emmanuel Kotia, the Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission at the opening ceremony on Monday 4th November 2024, said the relationship between our boundary commissions has helped enhance the overall collaboration between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire,". "This meeting is crucial for solidifying our shared borders and promoting regional stability."
The commissioner noted that, the countries will work to reaffirm their land border by reinstalling boundary pillars that have been removed over time. The process has already been completed for 150 kilometers of the border, and the goal is to finish the remaining sections by next year.
The renewed efforts by Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire to demarcate their shared borders demonstrate their commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence and strengthening regional cooperation in West Africa.