By Acheampomaa Abigail
African Border Day is an initiative led by the African Union (AU), which is celebrated annually on June 7 to promote peace, security, and stability across the continent. This emphasizes the importance of harmonious borders for Africa’s development.
As part of the media’s way of promoting the essence of the Africa Border Day celebration, the Breakfast Show, a morning segment on GTV, hosted individuals from the Ghana Boundary Commission and military personnel to educate the public about the importance of the celebration.
According to the Director, Survey and Delimitation at the Ghana Boundary Commission, Herbert Djaba, one of the key reasons this day is commemorated is to promote good neighbourliness across the borders.
“Borders are not barriers but bridges. If you live with your neighbour, you can put up a fence, but your relationship across the fence is very important as you live together, and it is key to living in harmony as one people. So also, on the international front, we need to have very good relationships with our neighbours along all our borders; on African Border Day, the key thing is to promote good neighbourliness across the borders. Peace, working together, doing activities together to grow the community.”
Still on the Breakfast Show, the Director, Policy and Plans, also at the Ghana Boundary Commission, Sarah Ekuban, stated that this day helps to identify the needs of the communities along the border. “Part of the commemoration, aside from promoting cross-border cooperation, is to help identify what the needs are in these border communities and help with the development of these border areas.”
Meanwhile, Africa Border Day was established on June 7, 2007. The borders were drawn during the colonial period, often without regard to ethnic, cultural, or geographical realities. This has led to numerous border disputes and conflicts since independence.
The day is used to raise awareness about the significance of properly managed borders and the potential benefits of cross-border cooperation.
