Ghana Refers Maritime Boundary Dispute with Togo to International Arbitration

The Government of Ghana has formally initiated international arbitration proceedings to resolve its maritime boundary dispute with Togo after eight years of unsuccessful negotiations.

In a press statement issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, the Presidency announced that Ghana has officially notified Togo of its decision to seek delimitation of the maritime boundary under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“The Government of Ghana has served the Government of Togo with notice of its decision that the maritime boundary between Ghana and Togo be delimited by recourse to international arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” the statement said.

The government explained that the move comes after prolonged bilateral engagements failed to produce an agreed outcome.

“This follows attempts at negotiating a boundary which have gone on for the past eight years but have not resulted in an agreed outcome,” the statement noted.

According to the Presidency, the decision to pursue arbitration is aimed at preventing further tensions and ensuring a peaceful resolution.

“Ghana has taken this step in order to avoid an escalation of incidents that have created tensions between some of our institutions and to promote an amicable resolution, thereby contributing to the continued good relations between our two countries,” the statement added.

The press release was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of State, in charge of Government Communications.

By invoking UNCLOS arbitration, Ghana is turning to internationally recognised legal mechanisms to resolve the dispute while signalling its commitment to maintaining stable diplomatic relations with Togo.