Ghana Initiates International Arbitration to Resolve Maritime Boundary Dispute with Togo

The Government of Ghana has formally served notice to the Government of Togo of its decision to seek international arbitration to delimit the maritime boundary between the two countries under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

According to a statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, the decision follows eight years of negotiations between Ghana and Togo which have not resulted in a mutually agreed boundary settlement.

The Government explained that recourse to arbitration is intended to prevent further tensions arising from unresolved maritime claims and to avoid any escalation of incidents involving state institutions.

Officials emphasized that the move is aimed at promoting an amicable and lawful resolution in line with international law, while safeguarding the longstanding diplomatic relations between Ghana and Togo.

Under UNCLOS, state parties are permitted to submit maritime boundary disputes to binding dispute resolution mechanisms, including international arbitration, when bilateral negotiations fail to yield an agreement.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and expressed confidence that the arbitration process will provide clarity and certainty regarding the maritime boundary between the two West African nations.