Ghana has initiated formal proceedings to resolve its longstanding maritime boundary dispute with neighboring Togo through international arbitration, according to a government statement released this week. The move comes after eight years of unsuccessful bilateral negotiations between the West African nations.
Accra will pursue resolution under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), seeking a definitive legal framework to delineate exclusive economic zones in the Gulf of Guinea. The disputed area contains potential offshore energy reserves and fishing grounds critical to both economies.
"This arbitration process demonstrates Ghana's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution through established international mechanisms," stated a senior official from Ghana's Foreign Ministry. The decision follows recent tensions over reported unauthorized maritime activities in the contested waters.
Legal experts suggest the arbitration could set important precedents for maritime boundary disputes in Africa, where nearly 20 similar conflicts remain unresolved. The process is expected to take 2-3 years, with both nations required to accept the binding decision under UNCLOS provisions.
