By Woke Joshua
The Parliament of Ghana has urged ECOWAS member states to strengthen regional cooperation in tackling the linked challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, population displacement and insecurity across West Africa.
The call was made at the opening of the Second Parliamentary Seminar and Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2026, held in Accra, Ghana, under the theme: “Climate Change, Environmental Degradation, Population Displacement and Growing Insecurity in the ECOWAS Region.”
Leader of the Ghanaian delegation, Hon. George Kwaku Ricketts Hagan, delivered the address on behalf of the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
Ricketts Hagan said the region’s challenges could no longer be addressed through isolated national responses because climate and environmental problems, as well as insecurity and displacement, frequently crossed national boundaries.
He said parliamentarians had a critical responsibility to promote dialogue, accountability, good governance, peace and sustainable development while ensuring that citizens’ concerns were reflected in regional decision-making.
According to him, climate change was disrupting weather patterns, worsening floods and droughts and placing additional pressure on already vulnerable natural resources.
He added that deforestation, pollution and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources were weakening livelihoods and the resilience of communities across the sub-region.
The Ghanaian Parliament identified illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as “galamsey”, as a major environmental challenge, noting its impact on water resources, forests, habitats, soil, air quality and biodiversity.
It warned that environmental degradation had moved beyond an ecological concern to become a threat to economic security, livelihoods, public health and the overall quality of life of citizens.
The Parliament also called for a broader understanding of security, saying responses should address human security, livelihoods, food systems and environmental pressures alongside conventional security concerns.
It noted that competition over scarce resources could be intensified by climate change, while environmental degradation could force people from their communities and expose displaced populations to exploitation and human trafficking.
The Ghanaian lawmakers therefore advocated greater emphasis on prevention, resilience and preparedness rather than relying primarily on responses after crises had occurred.
They urged ECOWAS lawmakers to develop and strengthen legislation covering environmental governance, climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and responsible management of natural resources.
The Parliament also called for stronger regional mechanisms to manage displacement and protect displaced persons, refugees and host communities.
It urged policymakers to place women and young people at the centre of regional responses by expanding opportunities in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, entrepreneurship and other emerging sectors.
The Ghanaian Parliament stressed that regional action was essential because environmental challenges did not respect national boundaries.
“Rivers cross national boundaries, ecosystems do not recognise political borders, and environmental crimes operate across jurisdictions, so our response must be regional,” it said.
It further called for adequate financing for climate adaptation, sustainable development, peace and security, warning that policies without the necessary resources could remain largely aspirational.
While urging development partners to support regional initiatives, the Parliament also called on ECOWAS member states to strengthen domestic capacity to finance sustainable development and climate resilience.
The seminar, it said, provides an opportunity for members of the ECOWAS Parliament to examine the interconnected challenges from a regional perspective and develop practical responses.
The Second Extraordinary Session is also expected to provide an avenue for lawmakers to deliberate on key Community matters, including the 2027 Budget of the ECOWAS Parliament.
The Ghanaian Parliament said the challenges confronting West Africa could also create opportunities for economic growth, employment and deeper regional cooperation through a transition to climate-resilient and sustainable economies.
It also expressed support for the progressive realisation of direct elections for members of the ECOWAS Parliament, arguing that such a development would strengthen the institution’s democratic legitimacy and citizens’ ownership of the regional integration process.
Ricketts Hagan reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS, regional integration, parliamentary diplomacy, democratic governance, peace and sustainable development.
He expressed confidence that the seminar and extraordinary session would strengthen parliamentary cooperation and generate practical outcomes capable of addressing the region’s pressing challenges.
The programme brought together members of the ECOWAS Parliament, Ghana’s Parliament, the diplomatic corps, ECOWAS institutions, development partners and other stakeholders.
The Ghanaian delegation welcomed participants to Accra and encouraged them to experience the country’s hospitality and tourist attractions.
“Once again, you are warmly welcome,” Ricketts Hagan said.
The address concluded with a call for regional solidarity and collective action for a peaceful, resilient and prosperous West Africa.