Bolgatanga, the capital of Ghana’s Upper East Region, recently hosted the third meeting of the Joint Ghana/Burkina Faso Boundary Commissions, marking significant progress in reaffirming the land boundary between the two nations.
Delegations from both countries successfully reached a consensus, establishing a Joint Commission to oversee the boundary reaffirmation process.
Held at the Akayet Hotel, the meeting saw the delegations review and accept an interim report prepared by the joint technical team.
The two countries further agreed that the technical committee’s work would continue with a 14-day session in Burkina Faso, the specific dates of which will be announced by Burkinabe authorities.
Additionally, the two countries decided to examine and adopt a draft framework agreement aimed at enhancing cross-border cooperation and regularizing meetings between their Boundary Administration Authorities.
The Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Kotia, and the Permanent Secretary of the National Boundary Commission of Burkina Faso, Salamatu Dabal, underscored the importance of this initiative in their addresses.
They expressed optimism that the Joint Commission’s work would enhance border management and cooperation.
According to Major General Emmanuel Kotia, the move seeks to foster closer collaboration and better management of the shared border.
He explained further that a significant aspect of the meeting was the decision to organize another session to validate the draft framework agreements.
This forthcoming meeting will involve local authorities from both countries, ensuring that the agreements reflect the needs and perspectives of the communities directly impacted by the border policies, he added.
The representatives from Ghana and Burkina Faso also expressed deep gratitude to the German government and its implementing agency, GIZ, for their financial support, which has been instrumental in facilitating these critical discussions.
The Ghana Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Boniface Gambila, emphasized that the Joint Ghana/Burkina Faso Boundary Commissions’ efforts reflect a commitment to peaceful and cooperative border management.
This commitment is expected to bolster security, trade, and cultural exchange between the two neighboring countries, fostering a harmonious and prosperous relationship, he added.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
