Ghana-Togo Maritime Boundary Arbitration

Ghana has formally initiated international arbitration proceedings against Togo to resolve a long-standing maritime boundary dispute. This decision follows eight years of failed bilateral negotiations between the two West African nations. Ghana has notified Togo of its intention to seek delimitation of the offshore boundary under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The move is aimed at preventing an escalation of tensions that have arisen between state institutions in both countries, particularly after incidents in 2017-2018 where Togolese authorities stopped Ghanaian seismic survey vessels in disputed waters. The disputed area in the Gulf of Guinea is believed to hold significant offshore oil and gas reserves. Ghana emphasizes that this step is intended to promote an amicable and rules-based resolution while preserving cordial relations. This action mirrors Ghana's successful arbitration against Ivory Coast in 2014, which was settled in 2017.