Ghana Boundary Commission assesses Ghana-Togo border, engages communities in Oti Region
The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC), Major General Anthony Ntem, has concluded a five-day operational assessment and stakeholder engagement mission along sections of the Ghana-Togo international boundary in the Oti Region as part of efforts to strengthen boundary governance, border security and the development of border communities.
The exercise covered the Kadjebi District, Nkwanta South Municipality and Nkwanta North District, and formed part of the Commission's ongoing strategy to deepen collaboration with border communities while integrating them into Ghana's boundary management framework.
The mission also assessed development and human security challenges facing communities along the eastern frontier through stakeholder consultations, community engagements, field inspections and the examination of International Boundary Pillars (IBPs).
The assessment began in the Kadjebi District, where Major General Ntem met residents of Ampeyoo, Ahamansu and Butabe at Dodi Papaso before proceeding to the Nkwanta South Municipality.
In Nkwanta South, the delegation was joined by the Municipal Chief Executive, Joseph Awal Abubakari Antwi, for discussions with traditional leaders, Assembly officials and residents of Dadiase, Kue and Chillinga.
The engagements focused on issues relating to boundary management, border security, cross-border cooperation and the socio-economic conditions affecting communities located along the Ghana-Togo border.
During the discussions, community representatives outlined several developmental challenges confronting residents.
Speaking on behalf of the Dadiase Traditional Area, the Dadiase Amankrado, Nana Amanfo Monfakye I, appealed for improved mobile network coverage, explaining that weak telecommunications infrastructure makes it difficult to contact security agencies during emergencies. Similar concerns were raised by residents of Kue.
Residents of Chillinga also appealed for the construction of a motorable road linking the community to Nkwanta, noting that farmers and beekeepers currently walk nearly four hours before accessing transportation to transport their produce to market.
The community further called for improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare services, educational facilities, market infrastructure and security presence to improve livelihoods and accelerate development.
The mission concluded in the Nkwanta North District, where Major General Ntem, accompanied by the District Chief Executive, Dordoe Kudjoe Isaiah, met with traditional authorities, Assembly officials, security agencies and representatives of border communities at Tinjase.
Discussions centred on security along the international boundary, the condition of International Boundary Pillars, cross-border collaboration and the human security challenges facing residents.
Community members appealed for the speedy construction of the Kpassa-Tinjase road leading to the Tinjase border crossing point, saying the project would improve accessibility, facilitate trade and stimulate economic development. They also requested improved access to potable water and healthcare facilities.
Responding to the concerns, Major General Ntem commended the resilience and patriotism of border communities, describing their cooperation as vital to safeguarding Ghana's territorial integrity.
He assured residents that the Ghana Boundary Commission would continue to work with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and development partners to address the challenges raised.
As part of the mission, the Commissioner-General and his team conducted extensive inspections along sections of the international boundary to assess the condition of several International Boundary Pillars and strengthen the Commission's operational understanding of the border.
The delegation also visited selected border posts, where they interacted with personnel from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana Immigration Service and other security agencies.
The discussions focused on operational challenges and measures to enhance border security while facilitating legitimate cross-border movement and trade.
The Commission said the successful completion of the mission reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening boundary governance, protecting Ghana's international borders and promoting the socio-economic development of border communities through sustained collaboration with traditional authorities, local government institutions, security agencies and development partners.