Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
In a significant development, the governments of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire have made substantial progress in strengthening their border cooperation following the fourth meeting of the joint committee. The meeting, which was held over a two-day period in Accra-Ghana, was attended by representatives from both countries and chaired by Major General Emmanuel Kotia the commissioner of Ghana boundary Commission.
During the meeting, the two nations were able to validate a legal framework for their joint borders, reaffirm the land borders between the countries, and reach an agreement on enhanced border cooperation.
Diakalidia Konate executive Secretary National Border Commission of Cote d'Ivoire, expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities and the people of Ghana for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the visiting team.
According to him, One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to establish joint patrols along the maritime border between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. This decision was made in reference to the ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea) ruling on the maritime border between the two countries. Ghana Boundary Commission and National Boundary Commission of Cote d'Ivoire from both nations were instructed to work together efficiently to implement the action plan based on this ruling.
Additionally, the meeting resulted in the validation of all documents that will be signed by the Foreign Affairs ministries of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, further solidifying the cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking on the progress made during the meeting, Diakalidia Konate executive Secretary National Border Commission of Cote d'Ivoire, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, "We've made significant progress during this two-day meeting, particularly progress for the team working on the ground for the reaffirmation of the land borders, and we've also provided guidelines to them on how they can fast track the work that is being done already."
The successful conclusion of the joint committee meeting underscores the commitment of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire to strengthening their border cooperation and addressing any outstanding issues. The implementation of the agreed-upon action plan and the continued collaboration between the two countries are expected to contribute to the stability and security of the region.
In a strategic move to safeguard Ghana's territorial integrity, the Ghana Boundary Commission is spearheading several initiatives to bolster the country's border security and management.
For his part Major General Emmanuel Kotia the commissioner Ghana boundary Commission said a key focus area is the implementation of the ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea) agreement, which involves joint maritime inspections with neighboring Côte d'Ivoire.
He emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort.
"The two navies will collaborate, facilitated by the Ghana Boundary Commission and the National Boundary Commission of Côte d'Ivoire, so that we would inspect the maritime barrier," the commissioner said. "This is very significant, because it prevents oil companies from exploring in either Ghana's or Côte d'Ivoire's territory."
However,Major General Emmanuel Kotia highlighted several challenges faced during these boundary inspections, particularly in areas with thick forests and mountainous terrain. "When it rains, it's always very difficult to go through those areas," the official noted, appealing for support from development partners and the government to provide suitable vehicles to navigate the difficult terrain.
In addition to the joint maritime inspections, the Ghana Boundary Commission is also working to strengthen its legislative framework. He explained that a new Boundary Commission Bill has been sent to Parliament, addressing gaps in the previous legislation, such as the need for clearer financial and administrative provisions, as well as an expanded governing body to include key ministries like Transport.
"We are hoping that when Parliament resumes, they would take on this bill and pass it, at least before the end of the session," the Major General Emmanuel Kotia emphasizing the importance of this legislative reform.
The Ghana Boundary Commission's efforts extend beyond the legislative realm, with ongoing social intervention programs and infrastructure development projects in various regions. This includes the rehabilitation and upgrading of health facilities, the construction of schools, and the development of critical transportation links, such as the federal road connecting Bullet to Dollar Power in the Savannah region.
Notably, the Commission has also secured funding from the African Union to undertake a project in the Volta Region, highlighting the international community's recognition of Ghana's commitment to strengthening its border management.
As Ghana continues to navigate the complexities of its international boundaries, the Ghana Boundary Commission's multifaceted approach, encompassing collaborative inspections, legislative reforms, and targeted development initiatives, aims to safeguard the country's sovereignty and promote regional stability.