Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Accra
The Ghana Boundary Commission has commenced a crucial field inspection exercise along the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire frontier as part of renewed efforts to reinforce territorial integrity, promote peaceful coexistence and ensure long-term regional stability.
The inspection is assessing progress on the ongoing construction of International Boundary Pillars, reviewing staked-out locations earmarked for upcoming works, and engaging local stakeholders to secure community support for the exercise. The initiative is aimed at preventing future boundary-related disputes and safeguarding Ghana’s sovereignty.
The visit forms part of Stage One of Phase One of the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Boundary Reaffirmation Exercise, a landmark initiative scheduled for completion by March 31, 2026.
Out of 37 Main, Intermediate, Border Crossing and Terminus Pillars planned for this stage, 14 have been successfully constructed since work officially began in January 2026. The inspected pillars include major landmarks such as the historic Tano Pillar and the Farafarako International Boundary Pillar.
Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Anthony Ntem, stated that the Commission is constitutionally mandated to manage and protect Ghana’s international land, maritime and airspace boundaries. He explained that many colonial-era boundary markers have been overgrown by vegetation or destroyed through human activity over the years, necessitating the reaffirmation exercise to prevent future conflicts.
He noted that similar boundary reaffirmation initiatives are being undertaken across West Africa in close collaboration with neighbouring countries.
Major General Ntem recalled that the pillar construction phase of the joint reaffirmation exercise officially began in July 2025 with a stone-laying ceremony at New Town in the Jomoro Municipality, where the Terminus Pillar (Boundary Pillar 55) is located.
This was followed by a joint staking-out exercise between November and December 2025, during which locations for the pillars were marked. Construction works commenced in January 2026, with the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces serving as contractors for the project.
A detailed briefing by the Officer-in-Charge of the 48 Engineers, Lieutenant Clifford Abrokwah, revealed that the 37 pillars earmarked for Stage One comprise 12 Main Pillars, 22 Intermediate Pillars, two Border Crossing Pillars and one Terminus Pillar. So far, four Main Pillars and 10 Intermediate Pillars have been completed, with construction ongoing along various sections of the boundary.
Lieutenant Abrokwah indicated that the working team has been reinforced to accelerate progress and ensure the project meets its deadline, despite the physically demanding nature of the exercise. He also acknowledged support from the Forestry Commission in facilitating the execution of the project.
As part of the exercise, the Commission paid a courtesy call on the Sector Commander of the Ghana Revenue Authority at the Elubo border, DCOI Joshua Krakue. The Commander assured the Commission of the GRA’s full support and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s boundaries.
The Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Boundary Reaffirmation Exercise is expected to strengthen cross-border cooperation while reinforcing Ghana’s territorial clarity and national security.
