The Ghana Boundary Commission has climaxed the 2026 African Border Day commemoration in a joint durbar and commissioning of borehole with Burkina Faso at Paga and Nakolo in the Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.
The planned activities, which were funded by the German Federal Foreign Office through the International Organisation for Migration’s Integrated Border Governance Mechanism (IBSM), were grounded in the promotion of human-centred approaches to Ghana’s boundary governance and management.
Addressing residents of the two border communities, traditional rulers and security agencies, the Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Anthony Ntem, emphasized the need to prioritise development of border communities and the welfare of border residents as effective strategies of boundary management in the sub-region. He further noted that the Commission places Ghana’s border residents at the heart of the execution of its mandate.
“For us as a Commission, facilitating water access to you all reflects our conviction that effective boundary management must place people at its centre. It makes practical investments in human security, public health, peacebuilding, and sustainable development along our shared boundaries,” the Commissioner General emphasized.
He indicated that the Commission has also been mindful of the devastating effects of climatic conditions on water cycles and its ripple effect on humans and livestock. Thus, with the AU theme for 2026 focusing on improving water and sanitation access in Africa, the decision to facilitate the construction of a borehole for the residents of Agatuse and Nakolo in the Bawku West and the Kassena Nankana West Districts respectively were not far-fetched.
The Commissioner General was optimistic such interventions could reduce tensions, pressures on existing limited water sources and promote peaceful coexistence between border communities in the enclave.
Major General Ntem also highlighted the importance of Ghana’s International Boundary Pillars in preventing conflicts and protecting the territorial integrity of Ghana, as well as in promoting development.
He however lamented the deplorable state of some boundary pillars along the Ghana-Burkina Faso boundary and called on the residents of border communities to protect the boundary pillars.
“I therefore wish to appeal to all residents of border communities to assist in protecting these boundary pillars. Please do not tamper with them, do not remove them, or undertake activities that may damage them. If you notice any damage or suspicious activity around a pillar, report it promptly to the relevant authorities. Protecting boundary markers is a shared responsibility because protecting them helps preserve peace,” the Major General entreated.
Speaking on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri, the District Chief Executive for Kassena Nankana West, Hon. Stephen Aeke Akurugu, said boundary governance is about ensuring that border communities enjoy improved access to development opportunities, social services and the conditions necessary for peaceful and productive lives.
He encouraged residents along the boundaries to continue to nurture the longstanding friendship that exists between Ghana and Burkina Faso to preserve the current peace enjoyed in the common area.
“Let us renew our commitment to building borders that connect rather than divide, borders that foster cooperation rather than conflict, and borders that serve as platforms for peace, development and shared prosperity,” Hon. Akurugu emphasized.
For her part, the Governor of the region of Nazinon and leader of the delegation from Burkina Faso, Madam Yvette Massadalou Sanou, could not agree more with the remarks by the earlier speakers.
She called for strengthened joint border collaboration, community sensitization, and cross-border development initiatives to deepen regional integration and cohesion. She further commended both countries for the peaceful cooperation and regional integration.
The Senior Human Resource Management Officer of IOM-Ghana, who represented the IOM’s Chief of Mission, Mr. David Mavengere, added that joint border governance by both Ghana and Burkina Faso requires cooperation and mutual respect to tag along communities around the borders.
He emphasized the critical role of border communities in safeguarding boundary markers, fostering peace, disseminating accurate information and encouraging cross-border collaboration.
Mr. Mavengere entreated both countries to reaffirm their shared commitment to transforming borders into bridges of peace, cooperation, development and shared prosperity, and assured all participating stakeholders of IOM’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s boundary governance.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme, “Strengthening Human Security along Border Communities between Ghana and Burkina Faso through Sustainable Water Access”.
The Commission organized a friendly football match between the Paga Youth and the Po Youth Clubs, where the Paga Youth emerged victorious. Other activities included a health screening exercise for the residents.
