By Rachel Kakraba
The Ghana Boundary Commission and the National Boundary Commission of Nigeria have convened a Joint Technical Committee meeting in Accra to address technical matters related to the maritime boundary between the two countries.
The consultative meeting, which is the second in its series, is a follow-up to a similar one held in Abuja, Nigeria, in October 2021, and a commitment of both Ghana and Nigeria to peaceful coexistence.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, encouraged the two countries to focus on innovative strategies that will enhance frameworks in managing maritime boundaries. He noted that maritime boundary disputes have far-reaching consequences, hence the need to consolidate efforts in managing maritime security and countering emerging threats.
Rear Admiral Yakubu said the dedication of both countries to maritime peace is an investment in safeguarding a shared heritage. He said such stronger bilateral ties will secure maritime future for Ghana and Nigeria.
“A well-managed boundary fosters security, facilitates economic activities, and ensures the harmonious coexistence of communities. As you deliberate, focus on innovative strategies that will enhance the framework for managing our maritime bound. The stakes are high as maritime boundary disputes can have far-reaching consequences.”
He said clear delimitation ensures protection of sovereignty while providing a platform for the equitable sharing of resources.
Rear Admiral Yakubu reaffirmed the commitment of the Ghana Navy to peace, cooperation, and development.
The Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Kotia, stated that the meeting is to solidify gains made during the 2021 meeting, which laid the foundation for establishing a joint maritime and cargo negotiation committee to amicably address all outstanding and future issues relating to the common maritime boundary between Ghana and Nigeria.
He said such deliberations are crucial to resolving potential maritime disputes.
“Maritime boundaries are not merely geographical lines. They are gateways in economic opportunities, regional stability, and sustainable development. By working together to resolve potential areas of dispute, we not only unlock the full potential of our maritime zone but also lay a solid foundation for safeguarding peace and fostering cooperation within the West African region.”
He said the commission remains focused on aligning maritime boundary delimitation with social interventions.
“The commission is refocusing its strategy from the traditional mandate of land and maritime boundary and from land boundary delimitation towards delivering the social intervention in deprived border communities.
He added, “By integrating human intervention strategies, we believe that the economic, social, and environmental advantages of precisely defined and peaceful negotiated maritime management would be felt directly by the population who directly and indirectly depend on these zones for their survival”
Director General of the National Boundary Commission of Nigeria, Adamu Adaji, stated that delimiting boundaries will go a long way in safeguarding the interests of the two countries.
“We want to determine exactly the length of the boundary so that we can now properly delimit the boundary for the interests of the two countries. Once the boundary is clearly defined, both countries can now begin to explore resources within their specific sovereignty.”
Present at the ceremony was the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, Mr. Ifedayo Adeoye.
A 14-member Joint Technical Committee was inaugurated to work on delimiting the maritime boundary for both countries.
