Lomé, February 27, 2026-(©AfreePress)- Togo’s National Commission on Maritime Boundaries (CNFMT) on Friday held a press conference in Lomé to address the dispute over the delimitation of the maritime boundary with Ghana, following Accra’s decision to initiate international arbitration proceedings.
Speaking to members of the press, Togo’s Chief Negotiator, Dammipi Noupokou, alongside the Minister of Territorial Administration, Local Governance and Traditional Affairs, Colonel Hodabalo Awaté, reviewed the history of negotiations between Togo and Ghana and clarified the official position of the Togolese authorities.
According to Mr. Noupokou, formal talks began in June 2018 after a series of maritime incidents recorded between November 2016 and May 2018 in the shared maritime area. In a bid to prevent escalation, Lomé and Accra opted for bilateral dialogue in line with principles upheld by the United Nations, particularly under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Between June 2018 and December 2020, eleven rounds of negotiations were held alternately in Lomé and Accra. These technical discussions yielded significant progress, including agreement on the starting point of the maritime boundary, identification of the relevant baseline, and adoption of a mutually recognized reference map.
However, differences emerged during the practical application of delimitation principles. The main point of contention concerns the adjustment of the theoretical equidistance line derived from technical calculations. According to the Chief Negotiator, the initial projection would have effectively deprived Togo of direct access to the high seas—an outcome deemed unacceptable in light of the country’s strategic and economic interests.
Another sensitive issue relates to the legal status of a roadstead area used by vessels awaiting berthing at the port, whose classification remains subject to differing interpretations by the two sides.
While negotiations were expected to continue, particularly following changes within the Ghanaian commission, Togolese authorities were notified of Accra’s decision to refer the matter to an international arbitral tribunal for a final determination.
In his statement, Colonel Hodabalo Awaté said the Togolese government “takes note” of this development, emphasizing that the move falls within mechanisms provided for under international law for the peaceful settlement of disputes. He recalled that both the United Nations Charter and UNCLOS expressly encourage recourse to legal and diplomatic channels.
“Togo will approach this new phase with responsibility, composure and firmness, in full respect of its sovereign rights and legitimate interests,” he stated, reaffirming Lomé’s commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and good-faith compliance with international obligations.
Asked about the potential diplomatic implications, Dammipi Noupokou sought to reassure observers, noting that arbitration is a legally recognized mechanism and should not undermine bilateral relations between the two neighboring states, which remain rooted in longstanding historical, human and economic ties.
Regarding Togo’s legal strategy, the Chief Negotiator stressed the need for confidentiality concerning the arguments to be submitted before the arbitral panel, while affirming that Togo possesses robust and well-substantiated technical and legal analyses.
For Lomé, the initiation of arbitration marks a new chapter in the resolution of the maritime dispute—one to be conducted in a spirit of responsibility, regional cooperation and strict adherence to international law.
Olivier A.
