What Ghana Teaches Us about the Intersection of Climate and Conflict

Aug 18, 2023 | Alex Gibson and Madeline Anderson
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Climate change is shifting community dynamics, but supporting local peace committees and institutionalizing climate-responsive technologies and techniques are effective methods of fostering resiliency. Ghana has strong formal and informal conflict mitigation mechanisms at the local and national levels. Prioritizing diverse representation in the National Peace Council, Regional Peace Councils, and District Peace Councils is effective in earning community trust and increasing perceptions of legitimacy. This empowers the councils to mediate conflicts like land disputes, which are of increased concern as harvestable land diminishes. 

The Global Fragility Act reflects the U.S. Government’s new, innovative approach to promoting stability in five target countries and regions – including Coastal West Africa. Critical to this effort is incorporating local knowledge, integrating historical practices, and empowering communities to drive change.