The Government of Ghana has formally informed the Government of Togo of its decision to seek international arbitration to delimit the maritime boundary between the two countries under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The move comes after eight years of bilateral negotiations between the two West African neighbours failed to produce a mutually agreed settlement on the maritime boundary.

According to a statement signed by the Minister for the Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the decision to pursue arbitration is intended to prevent further escalation of incidents that have created tensions between certain institutions of both countries.

The government say the step reflects Ghana’s commitment to resolving the matter through lawful and peaceful means in accordance with international law.

The statement emphasised that the action is being taken in the spirit of good neighbourliness and continued cooperation, with the aim of achieving an amicable and definitive resolution to the long-standing boundary issue.

The maritime delimitation process under UNCLOS provides a structured legal framework for resolving disputes between states over territorial waters and exclusive economic zones.