Encroachers on Ghana-Burkina Faso boundary line defy May 5 deadline to relocate

Encroachers on Ghana-Burkina Faso boundary line

At Paga in the Upper East Region of Ghana, people have built structures that cross into the buffer zone and even over Ghana’s international boundary line with Burkina Faso. These individuals were given a deadline of May 5 to remove their buildings, but they have ignored it.

Recently, the Ghana Boundary Commission facilitated a visit where the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) highlighted security concerns arising from the residents’ actions.

Ghana and Burkina Faso are currently in discussions to find a peaceful solution to the boundary issues and the encroachment.

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Assistant Commissioner of Immigration, William Sabi, who is the Paga Sector Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, spoke to JoyNews’ Maxwell Agbagba about the situation. He believes that a humane approach is the best way to handle this problem. In an earlier meeting with the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of operations and command posts, the encroaching residents were asked to relocate. Sabi mentioned that while the residents agreed to move in principle, their main concern was where they would go.

Mr. Sabi emphasized that the deadline for the residents to move was May 5, which has already passed. He noted that further discussions are taking place in Bolgatanga to decide on the next steps for both countries.

Discussing the security issues of the encroachments, Mr. Sabi pointed out that if someone commits a crime in Ghana and escapes to Burkina Faso, the Ghanaian authorities cannot pursue them across the border. This situation could allow criminals to evade justice easily. He also mentioned unique cases, like a hotel with its reception in Ghana but its rooms extending into Burkina Faso, highlighting the complexities of the boundary issue.

“There is a guesthouse where part of the building is in Ghana and the other part is in Burkina Faso. I don’t know whether it’s owned by a Ghanaian or a Burkinabe, but that’s a typical example: the reception is in Ghana, and the rooms are in Burkina Faso,” Mr. Sabi explained

The Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Kotia, added that the encroachment violates international law. He noted that Burkina Faso has the capability to adjust their border line to cover the encroached area, and Ghana is working towards doing the same.

Major General Kotia stressed the importance of closing the gap to prevent criminal activities and other unforeseen problems. He mentioned that officials from the Immigration and Customs departments in Accra, along with the police and other authorities, were involved in finding a solution.

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He explained, “There is also the need for us—that is the reason why the Head of Immigration and Head of Customs from Accra are here with the Police and other officials—so that we can brainstorm and see how Ghana can also close up that gap. We do not want to leave space for criminals or any unforeseen circumstances in between that gap.”

In summary, residents who built structures in the buffer zone at Paga have missed the deadline to relocate. The Ghana Boundary Commission and REGSEC are working to address the security concerns and find a peaceful resolution with Burkina Faso. The situation is complex, involving unique cross-border buildings and the potential for criminals to exploit the unmonitored areas. Both countries are seeking ways to close the gaps along the border to maintain security and uphold international law.

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Prince Nti Adu

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