By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), Aug 1, GNA – Major General Anthony Ntem, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC), has concluded a five-day operational assessment and stakeholder engagement mission along sections of the Ghana-Togo International Boundary in the Oti Region.
The assessment reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to effective boundary governance, strengthened border security and the sustainable development of border communities.
The assessment covered the Kadjebi District, Nkwanta South Municipality and Nkwanta North District. In addition, it formed part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to enhance boundary governance, deepen stakeholder engagement at the community level and promote the integration of border communities into Ghana’s boundary management framework.
The exercise also sought to assess the development and human security challenges confronting communities along Ghana’s eastern frontier through stakeholder consultations, community forums, field inspections and the assessment of International Boundary Pillars (IBPs).
Following engagements in the Kadjebi District, where the Commissioner-General interacted with residents of Ampeyoo, Ahamansu and Butabe at Dodi Papaso, the delegation proceeded to the Nkwanta South Municipality.
There, they were joined by the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Joseph Awal Abubakari Antwi, for discussions with traditional authorities, Assembly officials and residents of Dadiase, Kue and Chillinga.
The engagements focused on boundary management, border security, cross-border cooperation and the socio-economic challenges confronting communities situated along the Ghana-Togo International Boundary.
During the stakeholder consultations, representatives of the communities highlighted a number of developmental challenges affecting their livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the Dadiase Traditional Area, Nana Amanfo Monfakye I, Dadiase Amankrado, appealed for improved mobile network connectivity, noting that poor telecommunications infrastructure hampers communication with security agencies during emergencies.
Similar concerns were raised by representatives of Kue.
Residents of Chillinga also appealed for the construction of a motorable road linking the community to Nkwanta, the municipal capital.
They explained that farmers and beekeepers currently walk for nearly four hours before accessing transport to convey their produce to market. They further called for improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare and educational facilities, market infrastructure and security presence to enhance livelihoods and promote sustainable development in the border communities.
The operational assessment concluded in the Nkwanta North District, where Major General Ntem, accompanied by the District Chief Executive, Mr Dordoe Kudjoe Isaiah, engaged traditional authorities, Assembly officials, security agencies and representatives of border communities at Tinjase.
Discussions cent red on security along the international boundary, the condition of International Boundary Pillars, cross-border cooperation and the human security challenges confronting residents of the area.
Community members appealed for the expedited construction of the Kpassa-Tinjase road leading to the Tinjase border crossing point to improve accessibility, facilitate economic activities and stimulate socio-economic development.
They also requested improved access to potable water and healthcare infrastructure.
Responding to the concerns raised, Major General Ntem commended the resilience, patriotism and cooperation of the border communities in safeguarding Ghana’s territorial integrity.
He assured them that the Ghana Boundary Commission would continue to engage the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as well as development partners, to facilitate the necessary interventions.
Beyond the stakeholder engagements, the Commissioner-General and his team undertook extensive field inspections along sections of the international boundary, assessing the condition of several International Boundary Pillars to strengthen the Commission’s operational understanding of the boundary.
The delegation also visited selected border posts, where they interacted with personnel of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana Immigration Service and other security agencies.
Discussions focused on operational challenges and strategies to strengthen border security while facilitating legitimate cross-border movement and trade.
The successful conclusion of the operational assessment reaffirmed the Ghana Boundary Commission’s commitment to promoting effective boundary governance, safeguarding Ghana’s international boundaries and advancing the socio-economic development of border communities through sustained collaboration with traditional authorities, local government institutions, security agencies and development partners.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Benjamin Mensah