Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings warns against environmental destruction for gold

Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings calls for climate risk inclusion in security policy

Minister Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has advocated for the formal integration of climate risk into Ghana's national security framework and district development plans. Speaking at the Climate Talks hosted by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology emphasized that environmental degradation and resource scarcity are no longer just ecological concerns but are critical drivers of social and political instability. The Minister warned that intensifying competition over land and water resources is already worsening social tensions across the country. She noted that these environmental pressures create vulnerabilities that extremist groups can exploit to gain leverage or recruit from marginalized communities. To counter this, she proposed five priority areas for policy action, which include mainstreaming climate security into development planning and the creation of green jobs to provide economic alternatives for those most affected by climate shifts. Beyond domestic policy, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings highlighted the need for regional climate-security platforms to facilitate proactive dispute resolution across borders. She also provided an update on the government’s progress regarding the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), stating that Ghana’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) is currently undergoing approval. This document focuses on expanding renewable energy and enhancing climate resilience as core national strategies. The event also featured the German Ambassador, who stressed that discussions must translate into actionable measures to help the country adapt to mounting climate challenges. As Ghana moves forward with its NDC 3.0, the call to link environmental health with national stability signals a shift toward a more holistic approach to defense and development. By addressing the root environmental causes of conflict, the government aims to build a more resilient security architecture against both traditional and emerging threats.