Ghana-Togo hold meeting to deliberate on maritime boundary for oil blocks

The governments of Ghana and Togo have expressed their optimism in reaching an amicable agreement on the Maritime Boundary demarcation between the two neighbouring countries.

Speaking at the meeting with their Togolese counterparts, the Head of Ghana’s delegation, National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah said he was hopeful the countries will reach an agreement without disputes.

“This is the third meeting between Ghana and Togo on the maritime boundary negotiations which shows we have come a long way to find mutual interest for both countries. This meeting started on the quest of both presidents for peaceful coexistence . The underlying principle is to get an outcome grounded in international law,” he said.

He added that at a previous meeting in Lome from October 30-October 31, they both agreed on a work programme, timeline for negotiation and proposal for provisional arrangements in line with UN conventions.

The two countries are also expected to address the negotiation processes through a technical and political dimension.

Even though both countries have agreed on a roadmap, Togo expressed some reservations which were not disclosed but are yet to be addressed.

The Togolese delegation also said they were not happy about Ghana’s decision to allow the country’s Navy in some areas under the negotiation. The Togolese delegation suggested that both parties should not undertake any activities there until the negotiations are completed.

Ghana has learnt a lot from its maritime dispute with Ivory Coast which was filed at the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea.

The suit was filed by Ivory Coast. Even though Ghana won the case, lessons were learnt, and it cost Ghana some financial gains.

The dispute delayed exploration and production of oil in parts of the cape three point offshore.

Ghana delegation

The Ghana delegation aside its leader has Lawrence Apalse, Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy, representatives from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Survey and Mapping Division, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Office of the President.

Meanwhile, the Togolese delegation had representatives from their Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Mapping and Urban Development, Sea Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Embassy of Togo in Accra, and Council of High Seas, Togo.