Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Alhaji Inusah Fuseini says the ongoing dispute between Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire over a disputed oil-rich area off the coast of Ghana, may end up at the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Another option the government is considering according to Aljahi Inusah Fuseini, is to go to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire are claiming ownership of the oil-rich CI-100 maritime area estimated to hold about 2 billion barrels of oil reserves and another 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

The two countries have agreed to constitute a joint team to establish the geographical boundaries of the disputed area off the coast of Ghana, rich in oil and gas.

But Alhaji Inusah Fuseini disclosed on the Super Morning Show of Joy FM, Thursday, November 14, that Ghana will use all available options to establish its authority over the territory.

"We are looking at the pacific resolution of the matter; we are not ruling out any options. The matter might end in court or at arbitration but this road map will assist us build consensus especially, what principles of the United Nations Convention on the law of the seas should apply to the delimitation of our maritime boundaries with Ivory Coast [Cote D'Ivoire]; is it the equidistance principles, the bicentre or is it the meridian."

Technical committee

According to the Minister, both countries have also agreed to form a 14-member committee of experts to ascertain the geographical coordinates of boundary post 55, which is the last boundary post between Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire from where the limitation of the maritime boundary will take its source.

The committee which is made up of seven members from each country, comprises experts in international law, oceanographers as well as experts in foreign affairs. The committee has been tasked to look at survey data as recorded by the British colonial masters prior to their departure after Ghana gained independence.

Alhaji Fuseini is hopeful the technical committee will meet the June 2014 deadline to build consensus leading to a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Ghana's lackluster approach?

He rejected claims that Ghana was slow in taking steps to establish its authority over the area indicating that several high level discussions have taken place between the countries from 2010, when Ghana detected the existence of doctored boundary maps which its neighbour was using to court oil companies prospect for oil resources.

This he said necessitated the establishment of the Ghana Boundary Commission which has been handed the responsibility to secure the country's boundaries.

"We are in the process of establishing our maritime boundary with Togo, with Benin and with Nigeria," he stated.

There are suggestions some global oil giants are raising funds and building legal teams to help the Ivorians to stake a successful claim for the oil-rich area.

It is believed that the companies hope to make good returns on their investments if Ivory Coast succeed in their claim.

The alteration of the existing boundary, Vice-President of policy think tank, Kofi Bentil, argues, was done to further agenda of the Ivorians.

He says Ghana must wake up and act if it is to secure the resources for its people.