A dispute could break out between Ghana and neighbouring Ivory Coast, if immediate steps are not taken to engage in negotiations to redefine the land boundaries between the two nations.

Ghana's western neighbour Ivory Coast is reportedly claiming portions of the huge oil wealth in the deep waters of the western region of Ghana.

In a move to save the situation, the Ghanaian parliament has been tasked to urgently pass a new law that seeks to establish the Ghana Boundary Commission to undertake negotiations to determine and demarcate its land and maritime boundaries.

“There is a critical need for us to put in place a commission that would lead the negotiation for our maritime and land boundaries with our neighbours.” said Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Forestry, Hon Collins Dauda, who laid the bill before Parliament. He said the government is trying hard to avoid a full-blown dispute between the two countries.

"There are international laws and United Nations conventions that need to be respected. It is as if [because] of the claim you can take over the area like that…in these matters you begin with negotiations…as soon as we put our commission in place then we have the mandate to meet with our counterpart as to the de-limitations of our maritime boundary.”

The news of the possible friction between Ghana and Ivory Coast comes just days after United States operator, Vanco, struck oil in the deep water off Ghana’s Cape Three Points near Ivory Coast.

Collins Dauda said he is confident the two countries will be able to resolve the matter without any conflict due to the good relations between them.

Source: Africanews