Jomoro Member of Parliament Dorcas Affo-Toffey has called for stronger cultural ties between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, saying shared Nzema traditions and history should serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
She made the appeal when she attended the grand durbar of the Kundum Festival in Tiapoum, Côte d’Ivoire, as Guest of Honour. Editorial Standards
The event brought together traditional leaders, public officials and members of the Nzema community from both countries to celebrate their cultural heritage.
The celebration provided an opportunity for people with shared ancestral connections to reconnect, preserve their traditions and strengthen relationships that extend beyond national borders.
According to reports, the Jomoro MP, who also serves as Deputy Minister for Transport, was joined by Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, the President of the Ivorian House of Chiefs and the Member of Parliament for the Tiapoum area.
The gathering highlighted the continuing cultural links between communities in Ghana’s Western Region and neighbouring parts of Côte d’Ivoire.
Kundum Festival celebrates shared Nzema identity
The Kundum Festival is an important cultural celebration among the Nzema people.
It provides a platform for communities to honour their traditions, strengthen family and community relationships and pass cultural values on to younger generations.
For Nzema communities living on both sides of the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire border, the festival also represents an opportunity to maintain connections rooted in a shared history. Corrections Policy
During the celebration in Tiapoum, Affo-Toffey expressed delight at participating in an event that brought together members of the Nzema community from different locations.
She emphasised that cultural identity should not be limited by geographical boundaries, noting that people remain connected through their common ancestry, customs, values and traditions.
Her message placed particular importance on preserving the Nzema heritage and ensuring that younger generations understand the history and cultural practices that connect their communities.
The festival also demonstrated how traditional celebrations can contribute to peaceful coexistence by bringing people together around shared experiences and a common identity.
MP highlights importance of Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire relations
Affo-Toffey’s call for stronger cultural relations reflects the longstanding social connections between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
The two West African countries share a border and have communities with historical, linguistic and cultural links.
These connections create opportunities for cooperation beyond formal diplomatic and economic engagements.
Cultural exchanges, traditional festivals and interactions between chiefs and community leaders can help strengthen mutual understanding and encourage closer relationships among residents of border communities. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The Jomoro MP therefore encouraged continued efforts to promote Nzema heritage while strengthening the relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
Her appeal also highlights the potential role of traditional institutions in supporting regional integration.
Chiefs and community leaders often maintain relationships that extend across national borders, making them important partners in initiatives aimed at promoting cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
Boundary cooperation provides another foundation
The cultural appeal comes at a time when Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are also working to strengthen cooperation through the management of their shared international boundary.
A report stated that the two countries had commissioned 37 newly constructed International Boundary Pillars following the completion of the first phase of a joint land boundary reaffirmation exercise.
The exercise covered approximately 150 kilometres and was supervised by the Ghana Boundary Commission in collaboration with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Boundary Commission.
The pillars were constructed with support from Germany’s development agency, GIZ, and the African Union Border Programme, while the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces served as the contractor.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremonies, Ghana Boundary Commission Commissioner-General Major General Anthony Ntem explained that clearly defined boundaries should facilitate cooperation, legitimate trade and the movement of people and services rather than create divisions between neighbouring communities. Privacy Policy & Terms
The project provides an important example of how both countries can work together to strengthen relations while respecting their respective territorial boundaries.
Citi Newsroom had earlier reported in August 2025 that Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire had commenced construction of boundary pillars at New Town in the Jomoro area.
The initiative was introduced under the African Union Border Programme’s broader objective of promoting peaceful border management and regional integration.
These developments show that cooperation between the two countries extends beyond cultural celebrations to include practical efforts involving security, administration and cross-border development.
Traditional leaders and communities have a role to play
The participation of traditional authorities at the Kundum Festival underscores the importance of local leadership in preserving cultural heritage and maintaining relationships across borders.
For communities in the Nzema traditional area, cultural celebrations can provide opportunities to strengthen social connections, encourage dialogue and promote a sense of belonging among people separated by national boundaries.
Such engagements may also create opportunities for collaboration in tourism, cultural education and community development.
Preserving traditional languages, customs, festivals and historical knowledge is particularly important as younger generations increasingly interact with different cultures and lifestyles.
By encouraging cross-border cultural activities, community leaders and public officials can help ensure that shared traditions remain relevant while creating stronger relationships between the people of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
A call for deeper regional cooperation
Affo-Toffey’s appeal at the Tiapoum celebration reinforces the idea that the relationship between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire should be strengthened through both official diplomacy and connections among ordinary citizens.
While government agreements and boundary initiatives provide a framework for cooperation, cultural exchanges help maintain the human relationships that make regional integration meaningful. Newscard
The Kundum Festival therefore served not only as a celebration of Nzema identity but also as a reminder of the historical connections shared by communities in the two countries.
As Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire continue to pursue closer cooperation, preserving their shared cultural heritage could remain an important way of building trust, promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening ties between neighbouring populations.