Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, highlights the lack of clarity on internal boundaries as a cause of disputes across traditional, district, region, and constituency levels. He advocates for internal solutions to boundary management and emphasizes the importance of local economic development along boundaries. Major General Emmanuel Kotia of the Ghana Boundary Commission reiterates the need for collaboration and the construction of new boundary markers to address displacement issues.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, emphasized that the ambiguity surrounding internal boundaries is a significant source of traditional disputes within districts, regions, and constituencies. He noted that the establishment of these boundaries had insufficiently considered the capabilities of critical institutions, such as the Statistical Service, the Electoral Commission, and the Lands Commission. This oversight poses challenges in defining boundaries accurately, ensures proper representation, and manages resources effectively, leading to disputes that necessitate urgent attention.
During a courtesy visit by the Ghana Boundary Commission (GBC) to the Ministry, Mr. Ibrahim expressed concerns about Ghana’s reliance on external funding from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) for boundary protection. He suggested that the time has come for Ghana to explore internal solutions while enhancing its capabilities to manage boundaries independently. Furthermore, he recognized the importance of creating local economic activities along boundaries and called for the approval process of the District Assemblies Common Fund to integrate border management adequately.
Major General Emmanuel Kotia, the Commissioner General of GBC, highlighted the issue of boundary pillars, some of which have been displaced by natural phenomena like erosion. He stated that it is crucial to reaffirm international boundaries through sensitization and collaboration with neighboring countries regarding boundary coordinates. Additionally, the construction of new boundary markers is an urgent requirement to address this issue. Kotia advocated for the enhanced collaboration between affected districts and the GBC to resolve boundary disputes more effectively.
He further stressed the importance of fostering local economic development in communities along international boundaries. This collaboration aims to improve local livelihoods, revitalize affected communities, and enhance perceptions of economic deprivation. Such initiatives are essential for sustainable economic growth and the overall welfare of the districts involved.
The Minister of Local Government underscores the pressing need for clarity in boundary delineation, linking it to the occurrence of disputes across various administrative levels. The call for sustainable internal solutions to boundary management reflects a shift towards self-reliance in addressing these matters. The Ghana Boundary Commission’s advocacy for collaboration with affected districts highlights the role of local economic development in resolving boundary issues and promoting community well-being.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
