Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire jointly commission 37 newly constructed international boundary pillars

Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire recently celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of their Joint Ghana-Côte d'Ivoire Land Boundary Reaffirmation Exercise. The project involved the construction of 37 International Boundary Pillars along their shared 150-kilometre border. The ceremony took place at two locations: New Town, Ghana, and Diby, Côte d'Ivoire.

The pillars, funded by GIZ and the African Union Border Programme, were installed by the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces. The newly installed pillars not only delineate the land boundary but also the maritime boundary between the two nations. Their installation is part of the African Union's vision for a "Borderless Africa," where clearly defined boundaries facilitate cooperation and economic activities.

Major General Anthony Ntem, the Ghana Boundary Commission's Commissioner General, emphasized that the pillars signify progress toward "Borderless Africa," where clearly defined boundaries foster collaboration and free movement. Dr Diakalidia Konaté, the Executive Secretary of Côte d'Ivoire's National Boundary Commission, highlighted the exercise's goal to make the boundary more visible and commended the committees involved.

The German Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Mr Matthias Veltin, expressed his government's commitment to African integration and cooperation. The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, urged residents to protect the pillars and act as ambassadors of peace. With Phase 1 completed, the next phase will involve an additional 400 kilometres of boundary reaffirmation, ensuring continued cooperation and stability between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.