Courts Don't Settle Matters Completely

Today is a great day, and the great day is today. As a Patriot, I wish to join the many Ghanaians who have been celebrating the victory of Ghana over the Ivory Coast on the judgement of the protracted boundary dispute, delivered by the ITLOS, today.

The victory is a well deserving one, at least, the Court said so, and serves as a great relief to both the Government and the people of Ghana, and the many investors in the Oil Industry.

It is a fact that, the Oil Industry, (OI), is gradually making an impact on our Economy, considering its contribution to GDP. The gradually growing revenue, from the industry has been ear-marked, for very important national Economic issues such as the stabilization of the Economy, annual budgetary support and the heritage fund.

Lately, the Government of NANA BAWUMIA, has categorically stated that, the almighty FREE SHS shall be supported with funds from the oil revenue.

Alluding to this growing significance of the OI to the Economy of Ghana, it was not surprising that, the Government and the people of Ghana were very much worried of this dispute, with Ivory Coast.

The judgement therefore brought a lot of relief to the Ghanaian Community.

I wish to make my humble appreciation to all who worked for this victory; the Lawyers, the other Technical personnel, the GNPC, the AGs (past and present), and the Government of Ghana, both past and present.

The biggest of my appreciation goes to the Government and the People of Côte D'voire, for accepting to go through this civilized process of conflict resolution.

By this singular act, both countries have demonstrated to the whole world that, AFRICANS ARE FAST MATURING.

Having had the fun fair, it is very important for all of us to appreciate the fact that, we are not yet on the promised land. There is yet, a lot to be done, after this pronouncement by the Court, to ensure a complete resolution of the dispute.

Both countries, especially Ghana, has a lot to do, even with this victory.

I heard one of the Lawyers on the Ghana side, say, on Joy News, that, the ITLOS, HAS NO MECHANISM FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ITS RULINGS, AND THAT, THE BURDEN OF IT, FALLS ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE DISPUTANTS.

This is where the problem arises. The Court has given its Judgement, and it's the disputants who should come together to implement it and in this case, one of the disputants is a victor and joyous, while the other is a looser and aggrieved-what a difficult situation.

The survival of this judgement granted by the Court, will depend on how magnanimous Ghana celebrates her victory, and how matured, the Ivorians accept their loss and manage their grieve, especially, once there is no room for an appeal.

The joint issue of a press statement by the AGs of Ghana and Ivory Coast, is a great move and if this can be consolidated by similar moves by the Presidents of both countries, it will do a lot towards the complete resolution of the dispute.

Ghana has a lot to do, so far as the implementation of the Court ruling is concern, we have a lot to do.

The fun fair must be cut short, and straight away, we go back to work.

The Ghana Government must immediately invite the Ivorian Government to dialogue. This will commit both parties to the implementation of the Court ruling.

The most important tool needed to defuse the tension between us, as disputing countries, is EDUCATION.

BOTH COUNTRIES MUST EDUCATE THEIR NATIONALS ON THE OUTCOME OF THE COURT PROCEEDINGS. GHANA, IN FACT, MUST HELP THE IVORIAN GOVERNMENT, TO DO THIS PUBLIC EDUCATION, ESPECIALLY IN HER COASTAL COMMUNITIES SHARING BOUNDARIES WITH GHANA. This will help them accept the ruling and hence reduce or avoid any form of rebellion which can put the safety of the investments by the investors, into risk.

These communities in Ivory Coast would have been the greatest of beneficiaries, had Ivory Coast won the case, now that it's not the case, no one should doubt the fact that they are angry. This anger must be deflated immediately, so that it does not transform into hatred for the Investors and their investments, education can do a lot in this regard.

Secondly, we need to strengthen our security along our borders with the Ivory Coast. I don't think the Government of Ivory Coast (IC) will officially commission any disturbance along its coastal borders with Ghana, no, but let's not forget that, Ivory Coast is not at peace with itself. It has seen fertile civil wars, even in recent times, and this has created pockets of armed militia, who will do everything, for a living. A very well armed, trained and vigilant security will take care of any disturbance or threat to our investments.

Furthermore, the Investors on this hitherto disputed coastal basin, (my assumption is that, the ruling has settled the dispute), must extend their Corporate Social Responsibilities, (CSR) to the Ivorian Coastal communities along the Ghana borders. This will help reduce the pent up feeling they have about the loss and build a bond of good relationship between the communities and the Investors.

Finally, if possible, Ivorian Companies can be allowed to participate in the businesses of the industry, most especially, the up stream aspect of it.

All these and several,others, will help in the complete resolution of the dispute and the promotion of a good neighborliness between us and the Ivory Coast.

ONCE AGAIN, THE COURTS DON'T RESOLVE DISPUTES, COMPLETELY.

THERE IS ALWAYS WORK TO BE DONE, AFTER THE COURTS HAVE SPOKEN.

Teacher Tahiru.
Tamale