Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for the country’s upcoming Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (GHANAP-3) to reflect emerging challenges such as cybersecurity, violent extremism, climate change, and food insecurity, all of which she said have far-reaching effects on women and children.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement ahead of the plan’s formulation, Hon. Dr. Lartey said Ghana’s policy response must evolve to address the complex realities of the 21st century, explaining that new forms of insecurity demand equally adaptive and inclusive strategies that recognise women as both vulnerable groups and active contributors to peacebuilding.
“It is important to acknowledge that there are emerging challenges that must inform the development of Ghana’s 3rd National Action Plan, GHANAP-3. These emerging issues include cybersecurity and digital threats. The rise of cybercrime, online harassment and misinformation presents new risks”
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection
The minister explained that the increasing digitisation of governance and civic life means women are more exposed to new forms of violence, particularly those who engage in public advocacy or leadership. She stressed that the growing threat requires the “promotion of women’s digital literacy and participation in cybersecurity governance.”
For Hon. Dr. Lartey, empowering women in the digital space was essential to preventing online abuse and ensuring gender equity in technology and policy circles. Strengthening digital safety frameworks, she noted, was therefore an indispensable part of national peace and security efforts.
She also warned that violent extremism and border insecurity across the West African subregion continue to threaten peace and stability and urged that GHANAP-3 integrate women’s leadership into community-based systems that prevent radicalisation and conflict.
According to her, as active peacebuilders, women’s unique roles in mediation, early warning, and social cohesion place them at the centre of Ghana’s preventive security architecture and they must not be sidelined.
Integrating Climate and Economic Resilience
The Gender Minister also identified climate change and environmental degradation as key security risks that demand a gender-sensitive approach.
She explained that floods, droughts, and food insecurity caused by climate change disproportionately affect women in rural and coastal communities, underscoring the need to link environmental and human security. “Integrating climate security into the human peace and security framework has invariably become imperative,” she said.
Hon. Dr. Lartey added that achieving sustainable peace requires economic empowerment, particularly in agribusiness, renewable energy, and green economy initiatives that strengthen women’s livelihoods
“Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without economic resilience,” she reiterated, noting that empowering women economically builds community resilience and fosters long-term peace.
She also highlighted that maintaining the gains of Ghana’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda will depend on strong institutional coordination and adequate funding, and urged government agencies, civil society, and development partners to collaborate in monitoring, evaluating, and financing the next phase of implementation.
Hon. Dr. Lartey reaffirmed that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the government remains “very committed and resolute,” in ensuring that the new GHANAP-3 is forward looking in prioritising women’s participation in peace and security processes both locally and internationally.
“The Third Ghana National Action Plan will continue to promote inclusion, innovation, resilience as well as active participation of women at all levels,” Hon. Dr. Lartey affirmed.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is expected to finalise the Third Ghana National Action Plan in consultation with key national and international stakeholders before its official launch later this year.
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