By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Government of Ghana has formally notified the Government of Togo of its decision to submit the delimitation of the maritime boundary between the two countries to international arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In a press statement issued by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government explained that the move follows eight years of bilateral negotiations that have failed to produce an agreed boundary.
According to the statement, Ghana is resorting to arbitration to prevent the escalation of incidents that have created tensions between some state institutions of the two neighbouring countries.
The government emphasised that the decision is intended to promote an amicable and rules-based resolution of the maritime boundary issue while preserving the longstanding cordial relations between Ghana and Togo.
Officials say the arbitration process under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a recognised legal framework for the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes between coastal states.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and international law in addressing the matter.
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