The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called for enhanced cooperation among West African states in managing shared boundaries, warning that evolving security, economic and environmental pressures require more coordinated regional responses.
He said borders in the sub-region continue to play an important role in facilitating trade, cultural interaction and livelihoods, but are increasingly exposed to challenges such as irregular migration, smuggling, transhumance-related tensions, environmental degradation and other emerging security risks.
Mr. Buah made the remarks in Accra on Wednesday at the opening of a sub-regional consultation involving boundary commissions from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at aligning technical priorities and strengthening joint efforts to improve coordination, deepen cooperation and promote peaceful coexistence among border communities.
The Minister stressed Ghana’s commitment to good neighbourliness, peaceful dispute resolution and regional integration, in line with the objectives of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States vision for integration.
He further observed that effective boundary management must combine technical work with diplomacy, consultation and engagement with affected communities, adding that shared borders should serve as instruments of stability and development rather than division.
Mr. Buah said the participation of neighbouring countries reflected a common understanding of the need to strengthen cooperation in managing international boundaries for mutual benefit.
He welcomed delegates to Accra and described the gathering as an important platform for advancing regional collaboration on boundary governance.
The Minister also commended the Ghana Boundary Commission for its continued work in fulfilling its mandate under Act 1123 of 2024.
He expressed appreciation to development partners, including the International Organization for Migration and the German Federal Foreign Office, for their support in strengthening boundary management systems in the sub-region.
Mr. Buah urged participants to engage constructively and ensure that outcomes from the meeting translate into sustained cooperation beyond the discussions.
