The Togolese government has officially responded to Ghana’s decision to initiate international arbitration over their shared maritime border, emphasizing its steadfast commitment to international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
In a statement released Wednesday evening, authorities in Lomé confirmed they received formal notification from Accra on February 20 regarding the commencement of proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While Togo has taken note of this development, officials pointed out that the move signifies a definitive shift away from the bilateral negotiation framework that has been in place since 2018.
Technical discussions between the two West African neighbors began nearly eight years ago, facilitated by the National Maritime Boundaries Commission of Togo and the Ghana Boundary Commission. During their fifth plenary session in Accra in August 2019, both nations had publicly pledged to avoid any maritime activities that could jeopardize the fraternal relations and peace between the two states. Despite these efforts, the absence of a formally recognized boundary has historically led to several maritime incidents, particularly between 2016 and 2018, which Lomé cites as a primary reason for the urgent need for a legally sound and equitable solution.
While acknowledging that several years of high-level talks failed to produce a consensual agreement, the Togolese government maintains that any resolution must be reached in accordance with the principles of justice and equity defined by the 1982 UNCLOS. The administration reaffirmed its dedication to the spirit of good neighborliness, asserting that it remains open to a resolution that respects the sovereign rights of both nations.
For its part, Ghana justified the move toward arbitration by explaining that eight years of unsuccessful negotiations made it necessary to seek a final, binding solution under international law. Accra’s stated goal is to avoid further escalation of tensions and provide a stable legal environment for maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea. As the case moves toward an international tribunal, both nations appear focused on ensuring that the legal proceedings do not undermine the broader regional cooperation and peace that define their relationship.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA