By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The governments of the Republic of Ghana and Togo have agreed to construct fifty (50) boundary pillars along the international boundary lines from Aflao to Akanu to reaffirm the boundaries between both countries.
A collaborative effort led by the Ghana Boundary Commission (GBC) and its counterparts from Togo is ensuring a common objective of a fair re-demarcation and reaffirmation of existing boundaries between both countries.
Speaking at the launch of a stakeholder sensitization program in Aflao, a border town in the Volta Region, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yaw Letsa, hinted that the exercise has become very important taking into account security threats and extremism from other neighbouring countries.
According to him, the construction exercise is to reaffirm land boundaries and cement the long-standing relationship that has existed for decades.
For his part, the Chief Executive officer (CEO) of the GBC, Major General Emmanuel Kotia, said the construction of the boundary pillars is being done to ensure Ghana’s land boundaries are well demarcated by the end of the year.
Major General Kotia said despite challenges confronting their operations, they are receiving positive responses from their counterparts in Togo.
He expressed optimism that the objective will be achieved.
“We are reaffirming some land boundary issues between Ghana and Togo. We have started the reconstruction of the main boundary pillars which is going to be completed by 31st May, and it’s being sponsored by the Africa Union Border Boundary Program. There are a number of challenges. During our inspection, we realized that a number of the boundary pillars have been removed. It can be intentional, but in most cases, it is done by human activities.”
GBC has initiated moves to resolve all boundary disputes with neighboring Togo and Burkina-Faso.
The intervention has led to a temporary resolution of the boundary dispute between Ghana and Togo along the river Kolpelig at Pulmakom in the Pusiga District.
An agreement has also been reached with the Boundary Commission of Burkina Faso to engage further in resolving all identified boundary disputes at Paga and Sapeliga in the Kassena West and Bawku West districts respectively.
In 2020, Togo was reported to have trespassed its boundary at the Kolpelig River, a tributary to the White Volta, claiming ownership of parts of Gareke, a suburb of Pulmakom.
