By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Government of Ghana has officially notified the Government of Togo of its decision to pursue international arbitration to resolve the long-standing maritime boundary dispute between the two neighboring countries. In a press statement issued by the Presidency Communications on Friday, February 20, 2026, authorities confirmed that the move will be carried out under the legal framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The decision follows nearly eight years of bilateral negotiations that have failed to produce a mutually agreed outcome.
According to the statement, Ghana’s recourse to arbitration is aimed at ensuring a fair, neutral, and legally binding resolution to the dispute. The government emphasized that the step is necessary to prevent further escalation of tensions that have occasionally arisen between institutions of both countries over maritime jurisdiction.
Officials further noted that the action underscores Ghana’s commitment to upholding international law while preserving the longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between Accra and Lomé. By choosing arbitration under UNCLOS, Ghana seeks not only clarity on the maritime boundary but also stability in the shared coastal region, which holds significant economic and strategic value.
The statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, reaffirmed Ghana’s preference for an amicable resolution and expressed confidence in international legal mechanisms to deliver a just outcome. The maritime boundary dispute, which has lingered for years, is tied to issues of resource control, fishing rights, and offshore exploration activities. Analysts say the move to arbitration could mark a turning point in resolving the impasse and set a precedent for peaceful dispute resolution in the West African sub-region.
As proceedings under UNCLOS are expected to commence in due course, both countries will have the opportunity to present their claims before an international tribunal, paving the way for a definitive settlement.
