Water as a Potential Cause of International Conflict for Ghana

Abstract

Water resources have been and will always continue to be a very important resource globally. Given the growing scarcity of the resource amid global phenomena such as climate change and population growth, it is important to study how availability of the resource affects relationships that exist among nations. Focusing on Ghana, this study sought to identify the possibility of how available freshwater resources amid current global issues may impact the diplomatic relations of Ghana resulting in conflicting goals. Using the qualitative method of research, the study sought to examine how the mismanagement of resources could negatively impact the relations between nations in the international system. However, some of these agreements need to be reviewed, in order to accommodate the challenges that growing global issues such as change in climate that affect the hydrological cycle. Furthermore, although Galamsey poses an internal threat to water security, it involves foreigners who do not have the permission to engage in small scale mining according to the country’s legislation. The findings suggests that most international agreements need to be reviewed whereas the country also needs to enforce legislations that are meant to promote water security.