Ghana And Côte D’voire Mark A Historic Milestone In Their Joint Boundary Reaffirmation
On 30th July 2025, the Ghana Boundary Commission and the National Boundary Commission of Côte d’Ivoire officially launched the construction of boundary pillars as part of the joint reaffirmation of their international land boundary with a symbolic foundation stone-laying ceremony at New Town in the Jomoro District of Ghana’s Western Region. This momentous event marked the commencement of boundary pillar construction following the successful completion of Phase 1 technical works by the Joint Ghana/Côte d’Ivoire Technical Committee, which also oversees the implementation of the 2017 ITLOS ruling on the common maritime boundary.
The event saw the ceremonial laying of the first stone for Boundary Pillar 55, the key terminus which defines the starting point for the international maritime boundary and the ending point of the international land boundary between the two countries. Speaking at the ceremony, Brigadier General Anthony Ntem, Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, emphasized the importance of the reaffirmation process in maintaining peace, deepening cross-border cooperation, and fostering shared development among communities historically separated by colonial legacies. He stressed that the “exercise is not about building walls, but about building bridges, promoting peace, security, structured engagement, and inclusive growth.”
Echoing the same sentiments, Mr. Diakalidia Konaté, Executive Secretary of the National Boundary Commission of Côte d’Ivoire, called on GIZ/AUBP, the main sponsor of the project, to consider extending their 2027 deadline for supporting boundary reaffirmation efforts across Africa.
The event was graced by a high-level delegation including Mr. Yassin Said, representing the German Ambassador to Ghana; Mr. Stephen Quarahie, Acting Coordinator at the Western Regional Coordinating Council; Brigadier General Tim Batabana; Commodore Samuel Ayelazonu, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command; and Dr. Okello Sunday, Principal Programmes Officer at the African Union Commission, who served as Guest of Honour. Also in attendance were regional and district security chiefs from across the Western Region.
This event not only symbolises the unity and cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire but also reinforces a shared commitment to securing boundaries in ways that foster integration, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
