The Ghana Boundary Commission recently achieved a significant milestone with the passage of the Ghana Boundary Commission Bill, an act designed to enhance border management and safeguard Ghana’s territorial integrity.
The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Kotia has expressed his satisfaction with the passage of the commission boundary Bill.
According to Major General Kotia, the journey to passing the bill was arduous. He indicated;
“We started this process in 2020, and somewhere along the line, we had to review it because there was a change after the elections. There was a change of ministers, so we needed to send this back to Cabinet. We’ve been working on it From 2021 to date.’’
Major General Emmanuel Kotia Commissioner-General, Ghana Boundary Commission
The bill replaces the Ghana Boundary Commission Act 2010 (Act 795), which lacked certain key provisions to effectively address boundary management challenges.
“The key object of the bill is to determine and mark the land boundaries of Ghana and delimit the maritime boundaries of Ghana in accordance with accepted international law and principles to protect and secure the interests of the Republic of Ghana.”
Major General Emmanuel Kotia Commissioner-General , Ghana Boundary Commission
Major General Kotia highlighted certain innovations of the commission. He noted;
“Traditionally, the functions of the commission are to demarcate and conduct reaffirmation of land boundaries and delimit maritime boundaries. Now, the innovations include cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries, which was absent in the previous act.”
Major General Emmanuel Kotia Commissioner-General , Ghana Boundary Commission
Additionally, the legislation introduces provisions for social interventions in underprivileged border communities, a significant innovation missing from the previous act.
However, the Commissioner-General lamented the dire conditions in some border communities, noting the lack of roads, schools, water, and other essential amenities.
A significant limitation of the old act was the absence of provisions for financial resources to execute the commission’s functions.
The new bill remedies this by enabling the commission to seek funding from government sources and development partners.
“Currently, one of the key development partners, the German Development Agency (GIZ), has supported us, including providing funding for the construction of a new boundary post between Ghana and Togo.’’
Major General Emmanuel Kotia Commissioner-General, Ghana Boundary Commission
He also mentioned ongoing discussions with other partners, such as the Chinese Embassy, the French Embassy, and Japan through JICA, to secure additional funding for social intervention initiatives.
Meanwhile, boundary disputes have historically been a significant challenge for the commission. He reiterated;
“This legislation reinforces the functions of the commission. It allows us to utilize district security councils as local negotiating entities for localized international boundary disputes.’’
Major General Emmanuel Kotia Commissioner-General, Ghana Boundary Commission
Although the new bill strengthens collaboration with security agencies, ensuring that Ghana’s borders remain safe, He commended;
“Our borderlines have been secure over time. Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the security agencies, especially the Ghana Immigration Service, for their excellent work,” he stated.
Technical Expertise and Strategic Oversight
The bill establishes committees to address boundary issues. He clarified;
“In addition to the board, there are specific technical committees like the land technical committee and the maritime technical committee, comprising experts from technical fields.”
Major General Emmanuel Kotia Commissioner-General, Ghana Boundary Commission
Strategic oversight is provided by a government board made up of ministers from various sectors, including foreign affairs, lands, transport, national security, and interior.
Major General Kotia emphasized the importance of clear boundary definitions. He emphasized;
”Without them, you cannot call yourself a state. These boundaries inform security agencies about our limits, ensuring that our sovereignty is protected.’’
Major General Emmanuel Kotia Commissioner-General, Ghana Boundary Commission
According to Major Kotia, the Ghana Boundary Commission works closely with the Ghana Immigration Service, Armed Forces, and National Intelligence Bureau to secure borders.
“We have representatives from these agencies on our technical committees and operational divisions. Their collaboration has been instrumental in maintaining border security.’’
Major General Emmanuel Kotia Commissioner-General of the Ghana Boundary Commission
The passage of the Ghana Boundary Commission Bill marks a new chapter in the nation’s border management efforts.
With innovative provisions, strengthened funding mechanisms, and enhanced collaboration, the commission is poised to tackle boundary disputes, improve living conditions in border communities, and secure Ghana’s territorial integrity.
Major General Emmanuel Kotia’s optimism reflects the potential of this legislation to transform border management and promote peace and development along Ghana’s borders.
