Excerpt
The Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC) is a governmental entity responsible for the demarcation, delimitation, and management of Ghana’s international and internal boundaries. Established under the Ghana Boundary Commission Act, 2010 (Act 795), the Commission plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and promoting cross-border cooperation.
Constitutional Mandate
The GhBC’s mandate encompasses several key functions:
Negotiation and Demarcation:
- Leading negotiations with neighboring countries concerning land, maritime, or air boundary issues and undertaking the physical demarcation and survey of these boundaries.
Security Collaboration:
- Collaborating with relevant security agencies to ensure the security of Ghana’s boundaries, thereby safeguarding the nation’s territorial sovereignty.
Advisory Role:
- Advising the government on strategies for boundary negotiations and on international conventions related to Ghana’s borders.
Dispute Resolution:
- Encouraging negotiated settlements of border disputes and promoting trans-border cooperation and local community development.
These functions are designed to protect and secure Ghana’s interests in accordance with accepted principles of international law.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
The Commission is headed by a Commissioner General, currently Major General Dr. Emmanuel Wekem Kotia, who provides strategic leadership and managerial direction. The GhBC operates under a 15-member inter-ministerial Governing Body that offers strategic and policy guidance.
The organizational structure comprises several departments and units:
Boundary Operations Department:
- Led by a Director of the rank of Colonel, this department liaises with stakeholders to ensure boundary security and undertakes activities related to the demarcation and delimitation of boundaries.
Survey and Delimitation Department:
- Responsible for technical and operational work related to land boundary surveying, mapping, and maritime boundary delimitation.
Research Department:
- Conducts research activities, policy analysis, and threat assessments to inform the Commission’s decisions.
Administration Department:
- Provides support services, including human resource management, procurement, and performance management.
Finance Section:
- Manages the Commission’s financial transactions and systems in accordance with national standards.
Recruitment and Appointment
The mode of appointment and recruitment within the GhBC is guided by national regulations governing public service appointments. Positions such as the Commissioner General are appointed by the President, while other roles are filled through standard public service recruitment processes, ensuring that personnel possess the requisite qualifications and experience to fulfill the Commission’s mandate.
Oversight and Partnerships
The GhBC operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which provides oversight and policy direction. The Commission collaborates with various national security agencies, local and traditional authorities, and international partners to ensure effective boundary management. Notably, the GhBC has engaged in bilateral negotiations with neighboring countries, such as the Republic of Togo, to resolve maritime disputes amicably.
Operations and Job Roles
The Commission’s operations include:
Boundary Demarcation and Delimitation:
- Conducting surveys and placing markers to define Ghana’s land and maritime boundaries.
Surveillance and Monitoring:
- Regularly inspecting boundary pillars and patrol routes to maintain boundary integrity.
Research and Policy Development:
- Producing research analyses, policy briefs, and reports to guide decision-making.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborating with local communities, security agencies, and international bodies to promote boundary security and cross-border cooperation.
Historical Reforms
- In December 2024, Parliament passed the Ghana Boundary Commission Bill, 2023, to provide comprehensive legislation addressing emerging international boundary challenges affecting Ghana’s territorial integrity. This new legislation aims to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness and promote trans-border cooperation and border community development.
References
- https://mlnr.gov.gh/index.php/ghana-boundary-commission-gbc/
- https://ghanaboundarycommission.org/
- https://ghanaboundarycommission.org/download/14/new-category/10947/ghbc-2021-annual-report-2.pdf
- https://www.businessghana.com/site/news/General/320114/Parliament-passes-Ghana-Boundary-Commission-Bill
- https://www.theghanareport.com/ghanas-parliament-passes-landmark-ghana-boundary-commission-bill/
- https://gna.org.gh/2024/12/ghanas-parliament-passes-landmark-ghana-boundary-commission-bill/
- https://ghanaboundarycommission.org/management/
- https://ghanaboundarycommission.org/strategic-objectives/
- https://ghanaboundarycommission.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GhBC-2023-e-Annual-Report-.pdf
- https://mlnr.gov.gh/index.php/ghana-boundary-commission-gbc/