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’’
