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1.1 billion children exposed to climate threats – UNICEF report
Nearly half of the world’s children – or 1.1 billion – are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, threatening their health, education, and survival, a new United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report released on Tuesday, has said.
According to the report, almost every child in the world faces at least one climate hazard, while more than 4 million could face as many as six overlapping threats.
Christened ‘The Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026’,it uses the latest available data to map children’s exposure to the eight most frequent climate threats, including coastal floods, droughts, extreme heat, fires, heat waves, riverine floods, sand and dust storms, and tropical storms.
The report stated that drought, extreme heat, and heat waves were the most widespread combination of climate hazards, with over 296 million children living in areas exposed to all three conditions.
The second most common combination – drought, extreme heat, and tropical storms – leaves more than 115 million children worldwide exposed to these overlapping threats.
In addition to the eight most frequent climate hazards, the report analyses children’s exposure to air pollution and malaria; two risks that are highly sensitive to the effects of climate change.
Data shows that air pollution affects nearly every child globally, while one billion children are exposed to malaria, adding another layer of danger for children already facing multiple climate hazards.
And without urgent efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, climate hazards, according to the report, will grow more frequent and severe, placing even greater strain on government budgets and systems, threatening children’s well-being, the report warns.
To protect children’s rights from these threats, UNICEF is calling on governments, businesses and relevant actors to work towards the reduction ofemissions and take ambitious action to fulfil existing international commitments, grounded in the best available science, including the urgent phasing-out of fossil fuels and a just transition towards renewable energy.
With that, children can be protected through inclusive climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and responses to loss and damage that prioritise the resilience of social services, ensuring that children and child-critical services were included in the national sector strategies, disaster risk governance, preparedness and response plans.
Moreover, the report also stated that it was important toempower children and young people to meaningfully participate in climate action by investing in climate education, knowledge and skills, and by strengthening the capacity of decision makers and experts to respect children’s rights to be heard.
The Ministry of the Interior has suspended the Private Security Organisation licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited with immediate effect.
The suspension follows reports of alleged use of unprescribed uniforms, and unauthorised possession and use of firearms and ammunition by the company’s personnel.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 21, 2026, while they were providing private security services at Kwabenya, Accra.
According to the ministry, preliminary investigations suggest possible violations of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992, L.I. 1571, which regulate private security operations in Ghana.
The Ministry said the use of unprescribed uniforms, unauthorised firearms, and security accoutrements by private guards constitutes a serious breach with direct implications for public safety.
As a result, Kantanka Security Services Limited has been directed to cease all operations immediately pending the outcome of investigations.
All individuals and institutions are advised to stop doing business with the company until further notice from the Ministry.
The Ministry has also instructed Kantanka Security Services to fully cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and provide all information needed for a thorough investigation.
The Ministry assured the public that the suspension is an administrative measure to protect public safety while investigations continue, adding that appropriate action will be taken after investigations, in line with laws governing private security operations in Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The National Democratic Congress has officially renamed its national headquarters the “Jerry John Rawlings House” to honour its founder and former President, Jerry John Rawlings.
The ceremony took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, as part of activities marking what would have been Rawlings’ 79th birthday.
Held under the theme “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy,” the event brought together party members and senior government officials to celebrate his life, leadership, and role in shaping Ghana’s democracy.
President John Dramani Mahama unveiled a commemorative plaque and a bust of the late statesman at the newly named building.
He said the renaming is a tribute to Rawlings’ immense contribution to the NDC and the nation.
“History matters because it teaches people where they came from and inspires the future,” Mahama said.
He described the ceremony as a significant act of institutional memory that ensures future generations understand the sacrifices made to build the party and protect Ghana’s democracy.
Kimathi Rawlings, son of the late President, expressed the family’s gratitude.
“The naming of this headquarters after our dad, Jerry John Rawlings, is far more than a symbolic gesture,” he said.
He called it a fitting tribute to Rawlings’ legacy, values, and sacrifices that continue to influence Ghana’s politics.
The event ended with a cake-cutting to mark Rawlings’ birthday.
Rawlings, who died in November 2020, first led Ghana as a military ruler, then guided the transition to constitutional rule and served as the country’s first President under the Fourth Republic from 1993 to 2001. He remains one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s modern history.
The ceremony which was a moment of remembrance and celebration of his enduring legacy was attended by top party officials, government appointees and NDC faithfuls
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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