Border communities urge swift resolution of Ghana-Togo boundary dispute
Traditional leaders and residents in parts of the Oti Region have renewed calls for a peaceful settlement of the longstanding boundary dispute at Fotor Yeye, stressing the need to preserve stability and strengthen relations between communities on both sides of the Ghana-Togo border.
The appeal was made during a stakeholder engagement organised by the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC) at Dodi-Papase as part of an operational assessment mission in the Kadjebi and Nkwanta areas.
Speaking on behalf of local chiefs and elders, the Gyasehene of the Ampeyo Traditional Area, Nana Kwaku Ware, urged the Commission to accelerate efforts aimed at resolving the dispute, noting that a lasting settlement would help maintain peace and prevent future tensions in the border zone.
He also highlighted challenges facing residents of boundary communities, including limited mobile network coverage, and appealed for measures to improve connectivity in the area.
The concerns were presented to a delegation led by the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Anthony Ntem, who assured residents that the Commission remained committed to addressing issues affecting border communities within the scope of its mandate.
He encouraged residents to continue cooperating with authorities as Ghana and Togo work together to reaffirm and manage their shared international boundary.
Major General Ntem explained that the Commission is responsible for overseeing the delimitation, demarcation and management of Ghana’s land, maritime and air boundaries in collaboration with neighbouring countries and in accordance with existing treaties and legal agreements.
According to him, community participation remains essential to effective boundary management, particularly in protecting boundary pillars and reporting activities that could threaten their preservation.
The engagement also drew support from local government officials. Kadjebi District Chief Executive Dr Alhaji Sam Issaka Suraj praised the Commission’s outreach efforts, describing them as important steps toward enhancing peace, security and cooperation along the border.
He urged residents to assist authorities by safeguarding boundary markers and sharing relevant information when necessary.
Chairing the meeting, Nana Amanano Mensah II, Chief of Poase-Cement and Regent of the Dodi Traditional Area, called for continued collaboration among all stakeholders to help secure an amicable resolution to the dispute.
As part of efforts to strengthen communication between border communities and the Commission, two local assembly members were designated as Zonal Focal Persons to support coordination and community engagement activities.
The stakeholder consultation forms part of the Ghana Boundary Commission’s broader programme to promote peaceful border governance, protect national boundaries and increase public awareness of the importance of preserving boundary infrastructure.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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