Jaman north: Some residents in 11 border communities in the Jaman North District of the Bono Region have appealed to the Government to urgently improve road infrastructure and telecommunications services to boost socio-economic development and strengthen security along Ghana's international boundary with C´te d'Ivoire.
According to Ghana News Agency, the appeal was made during courtesy calls by Major General Anthony Ntem, the Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC), as part of a five-day operational assessment and stakeholder engagements in the district. A statement from the Corporate Affairs Unit of the GhBC indicated that residents in communities such as Buko, Jenini, Sampa, Kabree, Adadiem, Bonakire, Nsosomea, and Kokosua No.2 expressed concerns over poor roads, especially during the rainy season, which hinder trade, access to healthcare, and essential services.
The statement also highlighted issues faced by farmers, who noted that cashew harvests often rot due to lack of transport, pushing them to sell their produce in C´te d'Ivoire where access is easier. Moreover, the communities lamented the unreliable or absent mobile networks, which affected communication, education, border security coordination, and emergency response.
The statement quoted a local leader, Nana, emphasizing the impact on education: "Our students sit for the same exams as our counterparts in Accra who have access to digital tools to aid in their studies. Yet, our children who do not have the same opportunities are expected to perform as their peers in the cities. The network issue is a threat to our safety and development and must be addressed urgently."
Additionally, the communities raised concerns regarding the absence of a police station, Junior High School block, mechanized boreholes, a CHPS compound, and female teacher postings in some areas. Major General Ntem assured residents that the Commission would report their concerns to the relevant Ministries, acknowledging that while the GhBC lacks funds to directly address development needs, human security is integral to boundary management.
On the technical front, the Commission inspected 26 International Boundary Pillars (IBPs) in the district, some of which were found to be displaced or destroyed. The reaffirmation of Ghana's land boundary with C´te d'Ivoire is ongoing in three phases, with Phase Two expected to cover Jaman North later this year. This exercise is part of efforts to safeguard Ghana's territorial integrity, enhance border security, and promote socio-economic development in border communities.