Upper East Regional Minister calls for stronger Ghana–Burkina Faso border cooperation
Stakeholders from Ghana and Burkina Faso reaffirm commitment to peace, security and sustainable development as African Border Day highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation and access to water.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has called for stronger cross-border cooperation between Ghana and Burkina Faso to promote peace, security and sustainable development for citizens of the two neighbouring countries.
The call was contained in a speech read on his behalf during the commemoration of the 16th African Border Day, jointly organised by the Ghana Boundary Commission and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at the Paga Town Park on June 17.
According to the Minister, while international boundaries define sovereign states, they should not serve as barriers that divide people and hinder development.
“While boundaries define states, they need not divide the people. Borders should serve as bridges of cooperation, peace and development rather than barriers to human interaction,” he stated.
Atanga commended the organisers for focusing this year’s celebration on strengthening security and improving access to essential services, particularly water, in border communities.
He stressed that lasting security could only be achieved when people living in border areas enjoy decent living conditions and access to basic social services.
“Human security is ultimately about strengthening and improving people’s lives. It encompasses access to food, healthcare, education, livelihoods, safety and essential services that allow individuals and communities to live in dignity,” he noted.
The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Anthony Ntem, said the African Union’s theme for this year’s celebration, “assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the AU agenda 2063,” resonates strongly with the realities of many communities along Ghana’s international land boundaries, particularly in the northern frontier regions.
He explained that the Commission adopted the local theme, “strengthening human security along communities between Ghana and Burkina Faso through sustainable water access,” to address the pressing challenge of water accessibility in border communities.
Major General Ntem disclosed that, with sponsorship from the IOM and the German Federal Foreign Office, the Commission had facilitated the drilling of boreholes at Nakolo in the Kassena-Nankana West District and Sapelliga in the Bawku West District.
“For us, facilitating water access reflects our conviction that effective boundary management must place people at its centre. It is a practical investment in human security, public health, peacebuilding and sustainable development along our shared boundaries,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of international boundary pillars and appealed to residents in border communities to help protect them.
“Please do not tamper with them, remove them or undertake activities that may damage them. If you notice any damage or suspicious activity around the pillars, report it promptly to the relevant authorities,” he urged.
David Mavengere, Senior Human Resources Manager of IOM Ghana, expressed the organisation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen border governance, security and stability through community engagement and cross-border cooperation.
“Through the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM), activities such as community sensitisation, public awareness campaigns, health screening, water infrastructure support and cross-border engagements are helping to deliver practical benefits to border communities,” he stated.
For his part, the District Chief Executive for Kassena-Nankana West, Stephen Aeke Akurugo, commended the Ghana Boundary Commission for its continuous efforts in advancing the African Union Border Programme and fostering harmonious relations among border communities.
“As a border district, the Kassena-Nankana West District recognises the importance of collaboration and partnership in promoting peace, security and development,” he said.
Akurugo also expressed gratitude to the Commission for constructing a hand-pump borehole for the people of Nakolo, noting that the project would significantly improve access to potable water and enhance the quality of life of residents.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional leaders and representatives of stakeholder institutions from both Ghana and Burkina Faso.
As part of activities marking the celebration, a unity football match was organised between the Paga Youth Movement of Ghana and the Po Youth Association of Burkina Faso. Following a goalless draw in regulation time, Ghana emerged victorious after a penalty shootout.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo| David Adapuna
