Kadjebi: 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 emphasized that a peaceful settlement was crucial for promoting harmony, strengthening relations among the affected communities, and preventing any potential conflict.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Ware made the appeal during a stakeholder engagement session at Dodi-Papase. Major General Anthony Ntem, the Commissioner-General of the Commission, led the delegation of officials. This meeting was part of a five-day operational assessment in the Kadjebi and Nkwanta North Districts and the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region.
Nana Ware, speaking on behalf of the chiefs and elders, urged the Commission to expedite the resolution of the dispute and also facilitate the provision of mobile network access along the boundary. In response, Major-General Ntem assured the gathering of the Commission's commitment to addressing the concerns raised, in line with its mandate. He encouraged residents to remain calm and cooperate as the Commission worked with authorities in Ghana and Togo to reaffirm the international land boundaries.
Major-General Ntem explained that the Ghana Boundary Commission was tasked with demarcating, delimiting, and managing the country's international land, maritime, and airspace boundaries, relying on established treaties, protocols, and legacy documents in collaboration with neighboring countries. He emphasized that stakeholder engagements were crucial because border communities play a significant role in safeguarding the integrity of boundary pillars by reporting any activities that could compromise them.
Dr. Alhaji Sam Issaka Suraj, the Kadjebi District Chief Executive, commended the Commission for engaging with border communities and expressed confidence that such exercises 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, describing the engagement as timely. He urged all parties to cooperate with the Commission to ensure an amicable settlement.
In 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 was 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.