In the quest for sustainable development, Ghana grapples with significant environmental challenges—deforestation and illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as ‘Galamsey.’ These issues not only degrade the country’s environment but also pose risks to the human security of Ghanaian citizens. It is, therefore, highly commendable that the government has found it necessary to incorporate ecological and environmental security into Ghana’s National Security Strategy (NSS) document.
What the NSS says about Ghana’s ecological and environmental security
Under Strategic Objectives 6(b) of the National Security Strategy (NSS) document, there is the mention of “the exploitation of Ghana’s natural resources in a manner that serves the common good of the people”, which the document said “is another area of focus”.
Another major objective in the NSS document is the promotion of sustainable development, which the country is pursuing “within the context of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals outlined therein”.
Among the objectives prioritised by the NSS is “ensuring that the exploitation of Ghana’s natural resources serves the common good of its people”.
Concerning the country’s domestic security threats and challenges, the document outlines that the youth bulge, unemployment and limited innovative capacity to create opportunity, unresolved historical ethnic and tribal rivalries, unresolved chieftaincy disputes, intolerance, governance deficit in the provision of basic social amenities to underprivileged communities, perception of injustice, party political rivalry and crime are major drivers of the domestic threats to national security, which, among other things, tend to manifest in threats such as “economic crimes, including illegal exploitation of national natural resources”.
On page 19, it specifically focuses on ‘Ecological and Environmental Hazards’ and notes: “The preservation of our natural environment and ecology is essential to our national security interest in order to ensure our self-preservation”, warning: “Activities such as the menace of uncontrolled and illegal mining and exploitation of our forest resources; the introduction of hazardous chemicals into our water bodies during mining and fishing; as well as the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, all contaminate and degrade our natural environment and impact negatively on the attainment of our national security objectives to ensure our self-preservation”.
It highlights the consequences of such bad ecological and environmental practices, including deforestation, soil degradation, desertification, drought, destruction of fresh water and marine life, wetlands degradation, flooding, erosion, fire outbreaks, air and water pollution, and the lack of safe water supply, which, it notes, “impact negatively on the livelihood and survival of our citizens”.
The NSS document acknowledges that: “Ghana is endowed with extensive natural resources. The natural resources and natural environment upon which so much of the country’s economic activity and the population’s livelihood depend, are at risk of depletion or destabilisation at a rather alarming rate due to our own behaviour and attitudes”.
It indicated that “the situation requires a re-examination of our collective understanding of the essence of maintaining the environment and ecosystem that support our very livelihood in their natural state”, adding: “Our very attitudes towards the natural environment and existing response mechanisms to breaches need to be reviewed through public awareness creation programs, the introduction of efficient, innovative and deterrent interventions in the interest of our very self-preservation”.
The security strategy also outlines the importance of ecological and environmental security, thus: “Ecosystems thrive in a balanced state of natural seasonal renewal and are indispensable for human survival and well-being. Unnatural environmental or ecological changes, therefore, affect the living organisms which depend on the natural environment. In recent years, there has been serious global concern about the adverse impact of human activity on ecological systems and the consequences of changes in the natural environment on human well-being. The notion of environment security is, therefore, about the dynamics and interconnections between humans and the environment including natural resources”.
It acknowledges that “these interconnections between humans and the environment often result in the damage, degradation, pollution and contamination of the environment or the overuse of the renewable resources that the environment provides for our well-being”.
Such adverse consequences on the environment, the document underscores, “tend to have dire implications for our health and well-being” and points out that “the environment is a key source of the resources that we require to ensure our survival”. It stresses that the preservation of the environment “is, therefore, a matter of national security interest and that is the mission of environmental security”. It adds: “Environmental Security includes the prevention and restoration action to address issues of environmental damage and degradation, pollution, contamination and resource scarcities which could lead to a number of hazards including social disorder and environmentally induced conflicts. The environment is a strategic resource that needs to be harnessed and exploited without destabilising the ecosystem. In order to achieve national stability, social harmony and the well-being of the population of Ghana, it is therefore important that we protect our environment”.
The document agrees that “the wanton illegal exploitation of our forests, including the forest reserves, through illegal logging, illegal mining in forest areas, and bushfires degrades the environment, threatens our environmental security, our human security and our national interests”.
It says: “The situation has also led to some resource-scarcity induced conflict in some parts of the country”.
It proposes some strategic responses: “To mitigate this threat, Ghana will, as a matter of priority, strengthen the manpower, training and equipment capabilities of the Forestry Commission and other associated agencies to stop the deforestation and combat the associated land degradation. In addition to our reliance on hydro-electric power as Ghana’s primary source of power, the Government has prioritised the development and use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The widespread use of LPG is also being promoted through the popularisation of improved and affordable gas stoves for use in rural communities in order to minimise the reliance on the use of fuel wood”.
“In addition, farm waste such as cocoa pods, rice husks, coconut husks and maize stock will be converted into energy fuel to provide electricity and reduce the pressures on our forests and trees. Pollution is a major challenge to our environmental security”.
Also, it says: “A number of major rivers and streams which were otherwise sources of drinking water and fish to local communities are now highly polluted with lethal chemicals, including mercury, through illegal mining activity. The communities which used to rely on these water bodies have not only been deprived of their sources of water and fish, but the remaining fish and other living organisms in these water bodies are threatened by chemical poisoning”.
“Another major challenge of pollution is the indiscriminate dumping of waste, including plastics and other non-biodegradable waste, into the environment, our drains and water courses and anywhere convenient. In addition to measures to halt illegal mining and the pollution of our rivers and streams, a technical advisory team of stakeholders and experts will be composed to make recommendations to Government on the modernisation of our sanitation system to include the collection and disposal of waste”, the NSS document mentions.
It adds: “The mandate of the technical advisory team is to include the making of policy recommendations to the government on the use and disposal of plastics. The environmental security of Ghana cannot be pursued in isolation. Ghana, therefore, remains committed to its obligations under international law for the protection of the natural environment, reducing climate change, reduction of increased carbon dioxide levels and action against global warming. The sustainability of Ghana’s environmental security is, therefore linked to the total global effort and will be achieved through the cooperation with our global and regional partners”.
Significance of Incorporating Ecological and Environmental Security Into National Security Strategy
A key motivation for integrating environmental security into Ghana’s national security strategy lies in addressing the economic downturn caused by the over-exploitation and degradation of Ghana’s natural resources. This will safeguard the environment and stimulate economic growth by encouraging sustainable practices and attracting investments in sectors like renewable energy and waste management.
Environmental degradation, exacerbated by practices like galamsey, significantly contributes to conflicts in regions where they are prevalent. The displacement of communities due to environmental factors can escalate tensions. These tensions, if not managed properly, lead to violent conflicts which are detrimental to citizens’ lives.
By incorporating environmental security into Ghana’s National Security Strategy, Ghana can proactively address over-exploitation, especially in the mining and forestry sectors, promote sustainable living, and ensure equitable resource access and use, while reducing the likelihood of conflicts which threaten the human security of Ghanaians and fostering lasting peace.
The commitment to environmental security is crucial for preserving Ghana’s life-supporting ecosystems and providing essential resources such as food, water, and clean air. Prioritising environmental security safeguards the population and promotes human security.
States have a moral imperative to safeguard the environment for current and future generations. Environmental degradation exacerbates poverty and inequality and also threatens basic human needs. By prioritising Environmental Security, Ghana fulfils its moral responsibility to protect citizens and ensures a sustainable future for all.
In addressing environmental security, there needs to be a collaboration between various government agencies, international organisations and stakeholders of the country. This approach also promotes international cooperation, aligning efforts with other nations, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector for maximum efficiency in safeguarding the environment.
The integration of environmental security into Ghana’s national security strategy is a paramount step towards addressing the threats posed by deforestation and illegal mining.
Beyond governmental responsibility, this is a shared social commitment requiring cooperation between governments, civic society, and the private sector. By incorporating environmental security into national plans, Ghana charts a course for sustainable development, economic growth, and the preservation of its rich ecological heritage for future generations.
Source: Zubbaida / CISA Researcher
This was a very interesting read. And I agree it is a shared responsibility of both the government and the people to take sustainability serious. Excellent work
This was eye-opening and educational.
Indeed Environmental security underpins the rationale for investment in global environmental benefits, and is essential to maintain the earth’s life-supporting ecosystems generating water, food, and clean air. So we must take deliberate steps in making sure we do not sacrifice our nature for pieces of minerals which we can survive without..
You may think that the very areas where these minerals are found will have the development it deserves, rather the harm caused cannot be measured .. this is indeed a National security threat and thanks Zubby for drawing our attention to it..
Very insightful. It’s encouraging that our environmental sector is still been looked at and discussed considering the fact that it barely makes news especially in our part of the world, in spite of environmental security being an integral part of our economy. This was a great read. Kudos to the writer.
Absolutely crucial! Integrating environmental security into Ghana’s national strategy is a vital component for safeguarding our future. It’s not just about protection, it’s an investment in resilience and sustainability. Kudos to the author for shedding light on this. Interesting read.
Very insightful and informative article. More lights should have been thrown at the aquatic ecosystem in relations to the degradation.
Incredibly well-written and thought-provoking. Your analysis of the environmental challenges and the importance of sustainable development really resonated with me. You have a knack for capturing complex issues and presenting them in a clear and engaging way. Keep up the great work! Your article has definitely made an impact.
Very Insightful analysis on environmental sustainability and its effects on the country!
Zubbaida’s article effectively communicates the importance of Ghana’s proactive approach to environmental security. Its exploration of the National Security Strategy, coupled with insightful analysis and practical solutions, makes it a compelling read. Additionally, the article discusses the economic implications of over-exploitation and environmental degradation, recognizing the need for a balanced approach to safeguarding the environment while stimulating economic growth.
This article successfully educates readers on the pressing environmental issues facing Ghana and highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable development and global cooperation.
This is a great article that shows how Ghana is a country blessed with so much natural resources but with little to no expertise on how to benefit from the resources, and for that reason has led to both people in the country and foreigners illegally exploiting them.
We need to work together as a collective group because one person or particular group of individuals cannot solve anything alone. They may make a difference but they cannot solve it all on their own and that is why we need to come together (the government, the people and the private sectors) to address the issues we see and know at hand like the article clearly states in the last paragraph – it is a social commitment.