SPECIAL COMMISSIONING OF THE TERMINUS PILLAR PHASE 1 OF THE GHANA-COTE D’ IVOIRE BOUNDARY REAFFIRMATION EXERCISE
On 22nd September 20206, the Ghana Boundary Commission and Cote D’Ivoire National Boundary Commission organized a durbar to commission the Terminus Pillar Phase 1 between Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire at Newtown in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region. The commissioning follows the African Union Border Program (AUBP) targeted at promoting peace, security and integration across African borders to reaffirm their shared land border. In addressing the gathering the Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Brigadier General Anthony Ntem said little over a year ago, the commission lay the foundation stone of the boundary pillar, which marked the commencement of the construction phase 1 of Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire Joint Land Boundary Reaffirmation exercise. He said at the time, they spoke about the symbolism of jointly laying foundation stone, an act that represented renewed certainty, cooperation and confidence between the two countries and the shared determination to peacefully define and jointly manage the common boundary and that commitment has transformed into a tangible reality. He said the Terminus Pillar is more than a physical structure. It is a visible expression of the determination of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to work together within the framework of international law to reaffirm their common boundary through dialogue, cooperation, consensus and mutual respect and are fundamental to the existence and functioning of sovereign states. He added that the Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire International Land Boundary defines the territorial jurisdiction of the two countries and provides a certainty within which each state exercises its sovereign responsibilities. He said at first glance, one may be tempted to see the construction of the boundary pillars as inconsistent with the African Union’s vision of a borderless Africa, but such an interpretation overlooks the very essence of the vision. He said a borderless Africa does not mean Africa without clearly defined boundaries; otherwise, there would be war and conflicts. Rather, it is an Africa in which clearly defined and mutually respected boundaries facilitate free movement of people, goods and services, encourage legitimate trade and interaction, and create the certainty necessary for deeper regional integration. It is an Africa where boundaries connect rather than divide and it is within this broader vision that citizens should understand the significance of the terminal pillars before us today. He postulated that the strength of a united, integrated Africa does not depend on the disappearance of international boundaries. It depends on certainty, trust, and cooperation among several entities. Clearly defined and mutually respected boundaries established through delimitation, demarcation, and reaffirmation provide that certainty. They are parts of the institutional framework that enables neighboring states to cooperate confidently and peacefully and the terminal pillar carries a significance beyond its physical presence. As the terminus of the boundary section covered under the face, it provides a clear and enduring reference point for the reaffirmed boundary between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire and marks the completion of the significant phase of joint technical work, while simultaneously pointing towards the work. He said certainty about where a boundary lies does not have to create distance between people. On the contrary, it can provide the confidence within which a long-standing relationship will flourish. The pillar, therefore, does not stand as a monument to separation and the pillar stands as a marker of certainty, cooperation, peaceful coexistence, providing a firm foundation upon which the historic ties between the people can grow. He urged residents to be the custodians of the land and as important stakeholders in the peace and stability of the border area, to protect these pillars. ‘’Please protect the pillars for us and ensure that they remain undisturbed. I also urge you to continue serving as custodians of the friendship, peaceful coexistence, and good neighbourliness that have long characterized relations between the people of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire’’, he said He appealed to the residents not to let the pillars stand as symbols of division, but as reminders that peaceful borders and strong human relationships can and must exist together. He acknowledged the dedication, professionalism, and perseverance of the Joint Ghana-Cote d’Ivoire Technical Committee, whose commitment, expertise, and support made this important milestone possible. He extended commendation to the contractors, in particular the 48th Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, for the professionalism and technical expertise, the German Federal and Foreign Office through its implementing partner, GIZ, and the African Union Border Program for the financial and technical support extended throughout Phase 1 of the Joint Reaffirmation Exercise. The Chief Executive Secretary of the Cote D’ Ivoire Boundary Commission, Dr. Diakalidia Konate addressed the gathering and said since Brigadier General Anthony Ntem took office, the relations between both commissions has totally deepened and supportive. He thanked the armed forces, the Chiefs and contractors for their cooperation and their contribution towards the success of the reaffirmation exercise He stated that the second phase of the reaffirmation will start by the end of this year and anticipates receiving their same support for the second phase. Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III, the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Council addressed the gathering and said the boundary serves as a demarcation and not a limitation to how far the people dream together as one people, develop peace along the boundary and show love to one another. He added that the citizens of both countries have the same blood that runs through them, hence the need to live in peace, ‘’this boundary will not divide us, whether you like it or not, we will not be divided, we will continue to be brothers and sisters and live in peace, he said’’
THE LAUNCH OF THE FREE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE INITIATIVE FOR THE JOMORO MUNICIPALITY, HELD ON 14TH AUGUST 2026, AT THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE ROOM.
President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama officially launched Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care on April 15, 2026, to provide essential preventive, promotive, and basic curative services. The policy shifts the national health focus from reactive treatment to early detection, screening, and prevention. Out of the entire Western Region, Jomoro Municipal was selected as one of the pioneer municipalities to implement the initiative and was officially launched on 14th of August 2026, at the Jomoro Municipal Assembly, Half Assini. Mr. Gabriel Yengliereh, the Municipal Health Director, said the event marked an important milestone for the people of Jomoro Municipality because the initiative would contribute towards the achievement of better health coverage by the year 2030. He disclosed that out of the entire Western Region, Jomoro has been privileged to be selected as one of the five pioneers in the Western Region to implement the initiative, and it is a profound responsibility that the Municipal Health Directorate accepts with total commitment. He added that over the years, the health system has been largely reactive, i.e. treating people only when they fall severely ill; hence, the initiative shifts the paradigm toward preventive and promotive care. He said in the communities where people who have diabetes; hypertension the policy through routine screenings will be undertaken to help in early detection so that they could be referred for care. To achieve this the health officers will engage people in markets, schools, homes, and community centers, to organize screening sessions to identify people who need help with non-communicable diseases to provide prompt care. He demanded dedication, utmost professionalism, empathy and integrity from all health officers in the Municipality to ensure that the policy succeeds. To the traditional leaders, Assembly Members and community leaders, he outlined their vital role as partners in health promotion and urged them to mobilize their communities and encourage families to undergo routine screenings and ensure that every individual takes advantage of the free services.
TRAINING ON ETHICAL FISH WELFARE-CENTRED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO REDUCE MORTALITY AND IMPROVE AQUACULTURE PRODUCTIVITY
Greenfield Aquafarm and Research (GAR) collaborated with the Fisheries Commission and the Jomoro Municipal Assembly in Half Assini to organise a practical aquaculture training program for 50 fish farmers in the Jomoro municipality on Friday 7th August 2026 at New Nzulezo. Fish welfare is often overlooked in pursuit of increased production. In many farms, practices such as overstocking densities, poor handling during grading and harvesting, improper feeding, and inadequate biosecurity expose fish to unnecessary stress, injuries, and disease outbreaks. These conditions ultimately reduce growth performance, increase mortality, and lower overall farm productivity. The training sought to build the capacity of fish farmers to adopt practical, welfare-centered farm management practices that reduce fish stress, minimize mortality, improve productivity, and increase farm profitability. Specifically, the training programme engaged participants on the following topics: The four-hour training program employed interactive classroom presentations, facilitated discussions, group exercises, case studies, and hands-on demonstrations at the New Nzulezo Peace Youth Association fish farm. The farmers were very excited for this practical exposure and pleaded with Greenfield Aquafarm & Research and the Fisheries Commission to also help them access premium markets for their produce.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT OF THE REHABILITATION OF COCOTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL
Yesterday, June 10, 2026, the Ghana Boundary Commission and the Jomoro Municipal Assembly engaged with the elders and residents of Cocoatown to officially inform them of the commencement of the Cocotown Primary School Rehabilitation Project. In addressing the elders and residents, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Benedict Boadi expressed gratitude to the Ghana Boundary Commission for their support and urged the community to offer their backing and take ownership of the project to ensure its timely completion. Lt. Benjamin Baah Frimpong disclosed that the rehabilitation will be carried out by the Army Engineers (48 engineers) with funding from the ECOWAS Commission, and it is expected to be completed within three months. Hon. Bismark Armah assured the Assembly that he would pay closer attention to the project, ensuring that the building materials are protected and used in the correct quantities.
3- UNIT CLASSROOM BLOCK
Ghana Boundary Commission in collaboration with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation yesterday handed over a 3-Unit Classroom Block with ancillary facilities at Newtown.
JOMORO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY OFFICIALLY HANDS OVER TIKOBO NO 1 MARKET FOR PAVEMENT
As part of the Jomoro Municipal Assembly’s long-term vision to modernise market infrastructure across the municipality, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, officially handed over the market pavement project to E.K Construction Company Limited to commence work. The project, which seeks to improve the trading environment and enhance safety and accessibility within the market, will be executed in phases. This approach is intended to minimise disruption and avoid undue hardship for traders who rely on the facility for their daily livelihoods. In her address, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde appealed to all stakeholders, particularly traders and residents, to cooperate fully and bear with the contractor throughout the duration of the project. Ahead of the commencement of construction works, the Chief of the community, Nana Namoah Ackah Arizi III, performed a libation on Friday, February 10, 2023, to formally bless and pave the way for the successful execution of the project. The first phase of the pavement works is expected to be completed within three months. The project underscores the Assembly’s commitment to improving market infrastructure and promoting local economic development through sustainable and well-planned interventions.
JOMORO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS NEW OFFICE COMPLEX
The commissioning of the new office complex has brought significant relief to both staff and residents of the Jomoro Municipality, marking an important milestone in the Assembly’s efforts to improve administrative efficiency and service delivery. The office complex, which had been partially completed and abandoned for over seven years, remained unused despite several attempts to engage the original contractor. These efforts proved futile, as the project was initially awarded by the central government, leaving the Assembly with limited control over its completion. Determined to prevent the waste of state resources, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, took a bold and strategic decision to complete the facility for immediate use. The completion of the complex is intended to create adequate office space for departments currently operating outside the Assembly, thereby promoting closer collaboration and a stronger sense of unity among staff working towards a common goal. Additionally, offices previously occupied by staff within the township will be converted into residential accommodation to address staff housing challenges. The office complex was officially commissioned today by the leadership of the Local Council of Churches, following a joint morning devotion with the management and staff of the Assembly. During the ceremony, prayers were offered to commit the staff and people of Jomoro into God’s hands for a successful and productive 2023. Hon. Louisa Iris Arde expressed her profound appreciation to the Local Council of Churches for their spiritual support and prayers, and reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives that enhance efficiency, unity and development within the municipality.