Hon Benito Owusu-Bio, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Lands and Forestry, has urged the Boundary Commissions of La Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana to consider the emerging security threats confronting West Africa, as a clarion call for both countries to jointly manage their common Land and Maritime boundaries to help intensify the safeguarding of territorial integrities of the two countries.
The Deputy Minister made this statement during the opening session of the second Joint Ghana/La Cote d’Ivoire Boundary Commissions Technical Meeting, held in Accra on Wednesday, 30th November, 2022.
Hon Owusu-Bio opined that due to the similarities both countries share, it is important that, they decide to come together to deliberate on issues fundamental to their welfare, unity, peace, and most importantly, security. He noted that he is extremely glad to observe such significant step made by the Ghana Boundary Commission and the National Boundary Commission of La Côte d’Ivoire in organising such Joint Technical meeting.
“Such high levels of dedication are crucial for the management and preservation of our shared common boundaries. I, therefore, commend the two Boundary Commissions for their dedication and diligence.”
Benito Owusu
Mr Owusu-Bio advised the sub-committees to work diligently for the benefit of Ghana and La Côte d’Ivoire. He also noted that this two-day meeting would facilitate the strengthening of existing collaboration between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire towards the implementation of future joint cross-border activities as well as address identified challenges along the common boundaries of the two countries.
Addressing the officials, Hon Owusu Bio noted that the objective of the two-day meeting was significant towards the overall goal of properly managing the common international boundaries between the two countries and hoped that at the end of the meeting, a plan of action would be developed for the implementation of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ruling.
One important expectation of the meeting he stated, was to develop strategies for the implementation of cross-border activities between Ghana and La Côte d’Ivoire, and make projections for joint re-affirmation of land boundaries between the two States.
On behalf of Government and the people of Ghana, he advised the two Boundary Commissions to continue the good work for the good of both countries.
Other Remarks At The Event
The Ivorian Ambassador to Ghana, Tiemoko Moriko, in brief remark noted that the meeting will aid both countries find a common ground on deliberations and strengthen their bilateral relationship.
Ambassador Moriko also indicated that the two countries will capitalise on the good relationship between the leaders of both countries to strengthen their ties.
“I really hope that after this meeting, we will arrive at an acceptable solution because I believe we are one nation. We share the same culture values, religion heritage among others and this should strengthen our boundaries even better.”
Ambassador Moriko
In a welcome address, the National Coordinator of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Wekem Kotia disclosed that the commission has over the years in operation, been engaging neighbouring countries to build the necessary relationships, goodwill and consensus to enable Ghana live peacefully with her neighbours including La Cote d’Ivoire based on agreed defined International boundaries.
Stating the purpose of the meeting, General Kotia noted that the meeting will afford participants the opportunity to discuss relevant issues on future joint activities in areas including the Operationalisation and Reaffirmation of Land boundaries, implementation of International tribunal for the Law of Sea ruling between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, setting up of joint committees on Maritime and Land Boundary issues among many others.
General Kotia noted that the two countries are aiming at coming out with a blue print to address current challenges of our common Land boundaries. This he said includes “destruction of Boundary Pillars and Landmarks along our common International Boundary Line”.
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