The Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on Saturday rejected Ivory Coast’s claim that Ghana’s exploration activities are infringing on its sovereign right.

Some experts predicted the ruling may not be accepted by the Francophone country.

They believed Ivory Coast may resort to other means to address the issue because of its posturing since the start of proceedings.

A section of Special Chamber judges

But the countries have penned their signature to a document accepting the ruling read by President of the Special Chamber, Judge Boualem Bouguetaia.

In the joint statement released minutes after the ruling was delivered, agents of the two countries pledged their commitment to accepting the terms of the judgment.

“Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana seize the opportunity to reiterate the mutual commitment of the two countries to abide by the terms of this decision from the Special Chamber, and to fully collaborate for its implementation,” the statement read. 

Ivorian delegation at ITLOS

They also affirmed their commitment to “work together to strengthen and intensify their brotherly relationships of cooperation and good neighbourliness.”

Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana expressed their gratitude to the ITLOS Special Chamber for the “courteous attention” with which it dealt with the matter.

ITLOS ruling brings to an end a four-year-old maritime dispute between the two West African darlings.