Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Ghana’s Minister of Local Government, indicated that unclear internal boundaries are leading to various disputes. He emphasized the need for proper boundary management and raised concerns about reliance on external funding. Major General Emmanuel Kotia from the GBC highlighted the displacement of boundary markers and called for collaborative efforts to resolve these issues while promoting local economic development.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs of Ghana, has highlighted that unclear internal boundaries are giving rise to disputes related to traditional, district, regional, and constituency jurisdictions. He noted that the establishment of these constituencies lacked adequate consideration of the capabilities of institutions like the Statistical Service, the Electoral Commission, and the Lands Commission, which are essential for proper boundary delineation and management.
The Minister expressed concerns regarding the implications of this oversight, including challenges related to boundary definition, representation, and resource management, all of which contribute to ongoing disputes. During a courtesy visit from the Ghana Boundary Commission (GBC) to discuss national issues, he emphasized the necessity for improved efforts in boundary management.
Furthermore, Mr. Ibrahim raised concerns about Ghana’s reliance on funding from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for boundary protection. He urged a reassessment of these dependencies, advocating for sustainable internal solutions and the introduction of facilities to aid in boundary management.
Addressing the socio-economic aspect, the Minister underscored the importance of developing local economic activities along boundaries, which necessitates the involvement of the Committee on Local Governments and other relevant agencies in the decision-making processes regarding resource allocation.
Major General Emmanuel Kotia, the Commissioner General of GBC, noted that many boundary pillars established over the years have been displaced due to environmental factors like erosion. He stressed the need for the reaffirmation of international boundaries, which involves coordination with neighboring countries to agree on boundary markers and the construction of new ones.
The Commissioner General called for collaboration between the GBC and affected districts, especially those near international borders, to address boundary challenges. Such partnerships are vital for fostering local economic development in various communities, particularly in agriculture, ultimately aiming to enhance livelihoods and overall well-being.
The observations by Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim emphasize the urgent need for clarity in internal boundaries to mitigate ongoing disputes in Ghana. The call for internal solutions to manage boundaries, alongside fostering local economic development, signifies a comprehensive approach to address these issues. Establishing better collaboration between relevant institutions and local communities will be essential in tackling the complexities of boundary management and ensuring sustainable growth.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
