By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, 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 was necessary to promote harmony, strengthen relations among the affected communities, and prevent any possible conflict.
According to a statement issued by the Corporate Affairs of GhBC, Nana Ware made the appeal when Major General Anthony Ntem, the Commissioner- General of the Commission, led a delegation of officials on a stakeholder engagement with traditional authorities and residents at Dodi-Papase.
The meeting formed part of a five-day operational assessment in the Kadjebi and Nkwanta North Districts and the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs and elders, Nana Ware urged the Commission to expedite action to resolve the dispute and also 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 line 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 boundaries.
He explained that the Ghana Boundary Commission was mandated to demarcate, 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 emphasised that stakeholder engagements were vital because border communities play a key role in safeguarding the integrity of boundary pillars by reporting activities that could compromise them.
Dr Alhaji Sam Issaka Suraj, the Kadjebi District Chief Executive, commended the Commission for engaging the border communities and expressed confidence that the exercise would contribute to lasting peace and enhanced security.
He appealed to residents to support the Commission by protecting boundary pillars and providing credible information when necessary.
Nana Amanano Mensah II, the Chief of Pease-Cement and Regent of the Dodi Traditional Area, who chaired the meeting, expressed appreciation for the visit and described the engagement as timely.
He urged all parties to cooperate with the Commission to ensure an amicable settlement.
As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration, Mr Bright Kuffour Prempeh, the Assembly Member for the Ampeyo Electoral Area, and Mr Mutakilu Tsadenu, the 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 Oti Region aimed at promoting peaceful border management, preserving Ghana’s international boundaries, and deepening public awareness of the importance of protecting boundary pillars.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]