The German Embassy in Accra, in partnership with Media General, has launched the first edition of Climate Talks 2026 in Tamale, convening government officials, security institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, researchers, youth representatives and development partners to address the growing link between climate change and security in Northern Ghana.
Held under the theme “Climate-Induced Conflicts and Community Resilience in Northern Ghana,” the dialogue focuses on how environmental stress, competition over natural resources and socio-economic vulnerabilities are shaping peace, stability and livelihoods in the northern regions.
Opening the event, German Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Frederik Landshoeft, underscored the increasing relevance of climate change as a security concern for the future
“Climate change does not automatically create conflict, but where resources become scarcer and vulnerabilities already exist, tensions can become harder to manage. Building climate-security resilience therefore means strengthening the capacity of communities, institutions and local actors to prevent conflict, manage risks and build a more peaceful and secure future.”
Northern Ghana continues to face climate-related security pressures, including farmer–herder tensions, disputes over land and water resources, and competition over natural resources. These dynamics highlight the urgent need for stronger conflict prevention systems, improved resource governance, and enhanced community resilience.
“Together, we can build a better understanding of the challenges we face and the solutions that already exist within our communities. Resilience starts with knowledge. It grows through communication. And it succeeds through coordination.”
As a longstanding partner of Ghana, Germany remains committed to supporting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and sustainable development. Through Climate Talks 2026, the German Embassy aims to foster evidence-based dialogue and practical solutions to emerging climate-security risks.
The Tamale session featured contributions from the Coastal State Stability Mechanism (CSSM), the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), and the Northern Regional Security Council, who shared insights on conflict prevention, resource governance and resilience-building at the community level.
Climate Talks 2026 will continue throughout the year, creating platforms for sustained dialogue between policymakers, security actors, researchers, civil society organisations and local communities to strengthen Ghana’s resilience to climate-related security challenges.
