The Government of Ghana has formally notified the Government of Togo of its decision to seek international arbitration to delimit the maritime boundary between the two countries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The decision follows nearly eight years of bilateral negotiations that failed to produce an agreed outcome on the maritime boundary.
According to the government, the move to arbitration is intended to prevent further incidents that have created tensions between institutions of the two states and to ensure a peaceful and rules-based resolution.
In a statement issued on behalf of the government, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, explained that Ghana’s action was guided by a commitment to regional stability and international law.
“Ghana has taken this step in order to avoid an escalation of incidents that have created tensions between some of our institutions and to promote an amicable resolution,” the statement said, adding that the approach would “contribute to the continued good relations between our two countries.”
The government emphasized that recourse to international arbitration under UNCLOS reflects Ghana’s long-standing respect for multilateral processes and peaceful dispute settlement mechanisms, particularly in matters involving maritime boundaries and shared natural resources.
Despite the move to arbitration, officials reiterated Ghana’s desire to maintain cordial diplomatic relations with Togo, noting that the process is intended to clarify legal positions rather than undermine bilateral cooperation.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
