The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has stated that the importance of effective boundary governance in West Africa can never be overstated considering the existence of geopolitics, regional dynamics and the speed of technology.
Across our region, our boundaries remain spaces of intense human interaction, trade, cultural exchange and shared livelihoods.
Yet, they are also increasingly affected by challenges such as irregular migration, transhumance-related tensions, smuggling, environmental degradation, foreign influence and interference, as well as evolving security threats”
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These realities, the Minister noted demand, not isolated responses, but coordinated and forward-looking approaches, grounded in cooperation and mutual trust.
The Minister made the statement while addressing participants at the opening of a sub-regional consultation between boundary commissions of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Mali today (Wednesday).
He described the meeting as critical in validating technical priorities.
This meeting seeks to align our efforts around practical and actionable interventions that will strengthen cross-border cooperation, improve coordination mechanisms and support peaceful coexistence among our people”
Ghana, he underscored, remains firmly committed to the principles of good neighbourliness, peaceful dispute resolution and regional integration as key pillars of the African Union.
We believe that sustainable boundary governance must combine technical precision with diplomacy, consultation and community engagement.
Our shared boundaries must become instruments for stability, development and regional unity in line with the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the ECOWAS vision for Regional integration.
This meeting is a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen peaceful boundary governance, deepen regional cooperation and promote sustainable development across our shared boundary spaces”
The presence of representatives from our neighbouring countries, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah observed reflect a shared understanding that International Boundaries should not divide us, but rather serve as bridges for cooperation, stability and prosperity.
It is both an honour and a privilege for me to join you this morning at the opening of this important Sub-Regional consultation on the Priorities for the joint and coordinated management of the common International Boundaries.
On behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, I warmly welcome all delegations and participants to Accra, the citadel of peace” he remarked.
Before he took his seat, he commended the Ghana Boundary Commission for the leadership it continues to demonstrate in advancing its mandate under Act 1123 of 2024.
He also extended sincere appreciation to the Boundary Commissions gathered for their commitment to the exercise described as beneficial endeavour.
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah further appreciated the International Organisation for Migration and the German Federal Foreign Office for their continued technical and financial support toward strengthening boundary governance within the sub-region.
As you begin your deliberations, I encourage all delegations to engage openly, constructively and in the spirit of partnership that has always characterised relations among our countries.
The success of this meeting will not only be measured by the document we produce, but by the practical cooperation, trust and shared commitment that will guide implementation long after this meeting concludes” he said
The Minister subsequently officially declared the Sub-Regional Validation Meeting on Boundary Priorities duly opened.
