Ghana has formally notified Togo of its decision to seek international arbitration to resolve a longstanding maritime boundary dispute between the two West African nations. The move comes after eight years of unsuccessful bilateral negotiations, with tensions escalating over offshore oil exploration activities.
According to a statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson, Ghana’s decision aims to prevent further tensions and promote an amicable resolution, preserving the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries. The government has served notice that the maritime boundary be delimited by recourse to international arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The dispute centers on overlapping offshore areas with potential oil and gas resources, with Togo preventing Ghanaian seismic survey vessels from conducting exploration activities in 2017-2018. Ghana views this as an infringement on its sovereign rights, while Togo asserts competing claims.
The maritime boundary dispute has its roots in colonial-era frontier demarcations, with boundaries drawn by colonial powers lacking precise geographical coordinates. The Gulf of Guinea is a significant region for offshore energy resources, making the dispute crucial for both countries’ economic interests.
Ghana’s decision to seek arbitration reflects its commitment to a rules-based resolution, aiming to prevent escalation and ensure compliance with international law. The next steps involve constituting an arbitral tribunal and submitting legal arguments, a process that may take several years.
The outcome of the arbitration will have significant implications for Ghana and Togo, with potential impacts on their economies and regional relations.
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Author: Korkor Anumu
