Ghana today (March 10)concluded its final inputs to the United Nations'Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS)regarding a request for the extension of the continental shelf of Ghana beyond 200 nautical miles.
This follows consensus reached between Ghana,the sub-commission and the commission on a number of issues on the Foot of the Slope (FOS)and outer limits points.
Briefing the Commission at the United Nations headquarters, New York on Ghana's position, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and chairman of Ghana's Boundary commission recalled the country's initial presentation on August 26, 2009 to the 24th session of the CLCS in New York for two geographical areas of the submission of Ghana for the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.
"These were the Eastern and Western Continental Shelf Regions.The presentation also included an addendum updating the Eastern and Western Extended Continental Shelf Region in the light of new data that became available only after the submission was lodged with the Secretary-General on April 28, 2009", the Minister stated.
The leader of the Ghanaian delegation commended all those bodies that worked tirelessly to give Ghana the needed technical support and particularly the transparent and objective manner the sub-commission, headed by Mr. Walter Roest established to examine the case undertook its assignment.
Responding,Prof.Larry Awosika, Chairman of the Commission indicated that it will study Ghana's submission for the necessary recommendations to be made.
He acknowledged that so far there are no further issues of contention.
An elated Alhaji Fuseini, surrounded by member of his delegation including Ambassador Ken Kanda later said with this successful submission, Ghana becomes the first country in the West African sub region to have successfully applied for an extension of its continental shelf.
Expressing the hope that the measures taken will inure to the benefit of Ghana in many ways, particularly having come to a full consensus with the UN body on all the issues raised, the chairman of the Ghana boundary commission also commended his delegation for their hard work and commitment to duty.