Nana Kwaku Ware, Gyasehene of the Ampeyo Traditional Area in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region, has appealed to the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC) to facilitate an amicable resolution of the longstanding Fotor Yeye boundary dispute between Ghana and Togo.
He said a peaceful settlement of the dispute was necessary to promote harmony, strengthen relations among the affected communities, and prevent any possible conflict.
Nana Ware made the appeal when Major General Anthony Ntem, Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, led a delegation of officials from the Commission on a stakeholder engagement with traditional authorities and residents at Dodi-Papase. The engagement formed part of a 5-day operational assessment in the Kadjebi and Nkwanta North Districts and the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region.
Nana Ware, speaking on behalf of the chiefs and elders, appealed to the Commission to expedite action to amicably resolve the dispute.
He also appealed to the Commission to facilitate access to mobile networks along the boundary.
Responding, Major General Ntem assured the gathering that the Commission was committed to addressing the concerns raised in accordance with its mandate.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Commission as it worked with the appropriate authorities in Ghana and the Togo to reaffirm the international land boundaries.
The Commissioner General explained that the Ghana Boundary Commission was mandated to demqrcate, delimit and manage the country’s international land, maritime and airspace boundaries by relying on established treaties, protocols and legacy documents in collaboration with neighbouring countries.
He said stakeholder engagements remained an important component of the Commission’s work because border communities play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of the country’s boundary pillars by reporting any activities that could compromise them.
Dr Alhaji Sam Issaka Suraj, Kadjebi District Chief Executive, commended the Ghana Boundary Commission for engaging the border communities and expressed confidence that the exercise would contribute to lasting peace and enhanced security along the international boundary.
He appealed to residents to support the Commission by protecting boundary pillars and providing credible information whenever necessary.
Nana Amanano Mensah II, Chief of Poase-Cement and Regent of the Dodi Traditional Area, who chaired the meeting, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the visit and described the engagement as timely.
He appealed to all parties to cooperate with the Commission to ensure an amicable settlement of the dispute.
As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Commission and the border communities, Mr Bright Kuffour Prempeh, Assembly Member for the Ampeyo Electoral Area, and Mr Mutakilu Tsadenu, Assembly Member for the Butabe/Obuase Electoral Area, were nominated as Zonal Focal Persons to coordinate activities between the communities and the Ghana Boundary Commission.
The stakeholder engagement formed part of the Commission’s week-long operational assessment in the Kadjebi and Nkwanta North Districts and the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region. The Commission aims to promote peaceful border management, preserve Ghana’s international boundaries and deepen public awareness of the importance of protecting boundary pillars.
Source: GhBC Corporate Affairs Unit
