The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor has emphasized the importance of creating awareness and sensitizing residents of border communities to sustain the peaceful and progressive relationship between Ghana and its neighbours.
In a speech delivered on the floor of Parliament to commemorate African Border Day on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the Damongo MP noted that border communities bear the brunt of border-related challenges. He urged their involvement in decision-making processes to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
The Lands Minister highlighted the need for an all-encompassing approach involving all stakeholders to ensure continued peace and development along the country’s boundaries. He believes such an approach will have a greater impact and assist in building resilient border governance.
Addressing the theme for the commemoration, “Educate an African Fit for the Twenty-First (21st) Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa,” the Minister commended the Ghana Boundary Commission for their outstanding work in promoting and ensuring Ghana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
He stressed that education is a powerful tool in promoting intercultural dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding. He urged cross-border exchanges, economic cooperation, and joint development projects to overcome barriers and create stronger border communities.
“By empowering our youth to become active agents of change within their communities, we can create a formidable defence against the forces of violence and extremism which often target vulnerable populations, including youth in border communities,” he emphasized.
He highlighted the Ghana Boundary Commission’s efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence with neighbouring countries and resolving boundary disputes through peaceful cooperation.
“The Ghana Boundary Commission has led efforts to promote peaceful coexistence with our neighbours through regular sensitization and cross-border activities,” he added.
“We must recognize the crucial significance of educating our citizens, particularly those in border communities, about the importance of land and maritime boundaries and their role as stakeholders in safeguarding our international boundaries.”
“The Commission has worked tirelessly to reaffirm and safeguard our international boundaries, ensuring that Ghana’s territorial sovereignty is protected. Their work in upholding international law to resolve boundary disputes through peaceful cooperation has been recognized across the continent, with several countries engaging the Commission to learn from their experience.
“To achieve a greater impact, it is essential that we engage and empower border communities, including Traditional Authorities, Border Security Committees, Municipal and District Assemblies in border areas, and other relevant stakeholders, to create awareness of the significance of boundaries and their role in border governance.”
The African Border Day commemorates the significance of the African Union Border Programme and the Niamey Convention, which aim to promote integrated border governance and cross-border cooperation.
