The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has underscored the importance of effective boundary governance in West Africa, citing evolving geopolitical dynamics, regional developments, and rapid technological advancement as key factors demanding stronger cooperation among neighbouring states.
According to the Lands Minister, boundaries across the sub-region continue to serve as spaces for human interaction, trade, cultural exchange, and shared livelihoods, but are also increasingly challenged by irregular migration, transhumance-related tensions, smuggling, environmental degradation, foreign interference, and emerging security threats.
“These realities demand not isolated responses, but coordinated and forward-looking approaches grounded in cooperation and mutual trust,” he stated.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing participants at the opening of a sub-regional consultation involving boundary commissions from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali in Accra.
He described the meeting as a critical platform for validating technical priorities and aligning efforts toward practical interventions aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation, improving coordination mechanisms, and promoting peaceful coexistence among border communities.
The Lands Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the principles of good neighbourliness, peaceful dispute resolution, and regional integration in line with the objectives of the African Union and the regional vision of Economic Community of West African States.
“We believe that sustainable boundary governance must combine technical precision with diplomacy, consultation, and community engagement. Our shared boundaries must become instruments for stability, development, and regional unity in line with the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the ECOWAS vision for regional integration,” he said.
Mr. Buah noted that the presence of representatives from neighbouring countries reflected a shared understanding that international boundaries should serve as bridges for cooperation, stability, and prosperity rather than sources of division.
“It is both an honour and a privilege for me to join you this morning at the opening of this important sub-regional consultation on the priorities for the joint and coordinated management of common international boundaries,” he said.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, I warmly welcome all delegations and participants to Accra, the citadel of peace,” he added.
The Minister commended the Ghana Boundary Commission for the leadership it continues to demonstrate in advancing its mandate under Act 1123 of 2024.
He also expressed appreciation to the International Organization for Migration and the German Federal Foreign Office for their technical and financial support toward strengthening boundary governance across the sub-region.
“As you begin your deliberations, I encourage all delegations to engage openly, constructively, and in the spirit of partnership that has always characterised relations among our countries,” he urged.
“The success of this meeting will not only be measured by the document we produce, but by the practical cooperation, trust, and shared commitment that will guide implementation long after this meeting concludes.”
The Lands Minister subsequently declared the Sub-Regional Validation Meeting on Boundary Priorities officially open.
