The Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC) has commenced processes towards the climax of planned events for the commemoration of the 2026 African Border Day. The Commission began with a massive humanitarian and development-focused initiative at Agatuse in the Sapelliga general area of the Bawku West District aimed at enhancing peace, security and collaboration among border communities along the boundary.
As part of activities in the Agatuse general area, the Commission handed over a mechanised borehole, which was funded by the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), to the community. A similar one will be handed over to the Nakolo community in the Paga area of the Kassena Nankana West District on June 17.
The interventions are expected to improve water security, improve living conditions and contribute to stability in the target communities, with an emphasis on enhancing human security along the boundaries.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Anthony Ntem, at the commissioning, the Director for Research at the Commission, Mr John Tsotorvor, emphasised that access to sustainable water is essential for peacebuilding.
He reiterated that improving access to potable water is critical to promoting human security, enhancing peaceful coexistence, and advancing sustainable boundary governance among communities heavily dependent on this limited natural resource for survival.
“The Ghana Boundary Commission is interested in the livelihoods of border residents, as they constitute one of our key stakeholders. The 6th Strategic Objective of the Commission focuses on social intervention initiatives in deprived border communities,” the Research Director emphasised.
For his part, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of the Bawku West Assembly, Hon James Ayamwego, noted that water scarcity in many border communities continues to pose major concerns to livelihoods, sanitation, and peaceful coexistence. He commended the Commission and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for the intervention.
“We are happy for this life-saving gesture that will ensure peaceful co-existence between our neighbours and us, but we need more support,” the DCE highlighted. He admonished the assembly to put up a small working committee to oversee the maintenance of the borehole and preserve it.
The National Planning Officer at IOM, Mr Daniel Tagoe, pointed out the value of basic resources like water in averting conflict in border communities and expressed optimism that the borehole will become a source of unity rather than confusion.
As part of the celebration, the commission donated 500 copies of exercise books to Agatuse Primary/JHS and rolled out health screening exercises in both Agatuse and Sapelliga Primary and JHS, which rendered services to a population of over 500. The Commission also sensitised various stakeholders on its work and its implications for Ghana’s territorial sovereignty.
Source: GhBC (Corporate Affairs Unit)
