The Government of Ghana has formally notified the Government of Togo of its decision to seek international arbitration to resolve the longstanding maritime boundary dispute between the two countries.
In a press statement issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, the Office of the Presidency indicated that the move follows eight years of negotiations that have failed to produce an agreed outcome.
According to Ghanaian authorities, the boundary will now be delimited through arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), following years of unsuccessful bilateral negotiations.
The move comes after nearly eight years of discussions aimed at reaching a mutually agreed settlement. However, those negotiations have not produced an outcome.
Officials say the decision to pursue arbitration is intended to prevent further tensions and ensure a peaceful resolution. In a statement, the government explained that the step was taken “to avoid an escalation of incidents that have created tensions between some of our institutions.”
The statement further emphasised Ghana’s commitment to maintaining cordial ties with its neighbour, noting that arbitration would help “promote an amicable resolution, thereby contributing to the continued good relations between our two countries.”
International arbitration under UNCLOS provides a legal framework for resolving maritime disputes between states, offering a neutral platform for determining boundaries in accordance with international law.
