By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Dodi-Papase (O/R), July 30, GNA – Nana Kwaku Ware, the 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 possible conflict.
Nana Ware made the appeal when Major General Anthony Namong the Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, led a delegation from the Commission to engage traditional authorities and residents at Dodi-Papase.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs and elders, Nana Ware urged the Commission to expedite efforts to resolve the dispute amicably.
He also appealed to the Commission to facilitate access to mobile network services in communities along the international 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 Togo to reaffirm the international land boundary.
The Commissioner General explained that the Ghana Boundary Commission was mandated to delimit, demarcate and manage the country’s international land, maritime and airspace boundaries through established treaties, protocols and legacy documents, in collaboration with neighbouring countries.
He said stakeholder engagement remained an integral part of the Commission’s work because border communities played a vital role in safeguarding the country’s boundary pillars by reporting activities that could compromise them.
Dr Alhaji Sam Issaka Suraj, the Kadjebi District Chief Executive (DCE), commended the Ghana Boundary Commission for engaging 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, the Chief of Poase-Cement and Adontenhene of Dodi Traditional Area, who chaired the meeting, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the visit and described the engagement as timely.
Nana Amanano Mensah, who is also the Regent of the Dodi Traditional Area, appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with the Commission to ensure an amicable resolution of the dispute.
As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Commission and border communities, Mr Bright Kuffour Prempeh, the 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 assessment aims to promote peaceful border management, preserve Ghana’s international boundaries and deepen public awareness of the importance of protecting boundary pillars.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo