The Government of Ghana has formally notified the Government of Togo of its decision to submit the longstanding maritime boundary dispute between the two countries to international arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In a press statement issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, and signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government indicated that the move follows nearly eight years of unsuccessful bilateral negotiations.
“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.
According to the Presidency, efforts to resolve the matter through diplomatic engagement have not yielded an agreed outcome despite sustained negotiations.
“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 added.
Government explained that the decision to pursue arbitration is aimed at preventing further tensions and ensuring a peaceful and rules-based resolution to the dispute.
“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,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.
The referral to arbitration under UNCLOS marks a significant diplomatic step, signaling Ghana’s preference for a structured legal resolution anchored in international law.
