By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Sept. 22, GNA-Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called on ECOWAS Member States to shift from reactive crisis management to proactive investment in climate resilience, youth opportunities and early warning systems.
She warned that poverty and environmental stress are driving displacement and insecurity across West Africa.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Sixth Legislature, the Second 2026 Parliamentary Seminar on “Climate Change as a Driver of Environmental Degradation, Population Displacement and Rising Insecurity in the ECOWAS Region”, in Accra on Tuesday, the Vice President said the theme reflected the convergence of challenges facing the region.
“West Africa continues to grapple with climate change and environmental degradation with far-reaching consequences for livelihoods and food security, which are compounded by population displacement and growing insecurity,” she said.
“The interconnected nature of these challenges requires unified responses. Our response must combine security, development and climate resilience,” she added.
The Vice President said Ghana remained committed to African integration, citing the recent joint border post between Ghana and Togo as a practical example of improving border procedures, supporting free movement and facilitating trade.
She noted that Ghana was taking practical steps to strengthen vulnerable communities, including progress on phase two of coastal protection projects.
“Our response to insecurity must go beyond its immediate manifestations. When young people face prolonged destitution and limited prospects for education, employment or a decent living, criminal and extremist groups can exploit their frustrations,” she warned.
“Creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and investing in education and skills all amount to investing in peace.”
She called on ECOWAS to fully implement and resource existing frameworks on free movement, disaster risk reduction and early warning, and said Ghana was working with ECOWAS to strengthen early warning through better data sharing.
She added: “We must strengthen our collective voice to secure finance and practical investment in resilient agriculture, water management, coastal protection and clean energy.”
The convergence, which is also the Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2026 in Accra, is scheduled from Monday, September 21, to Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The ECOWAS Parliament, also known as the Community Parliament, is the legislative arm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
It serves as a forum for dialogue, consultation, and consensus for the people of West Africa to promote regional integration.
Madam Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, in her address, called for a new understanding of security beyond borders.
She proposed a five-point agenda which included responsive legislation and oversight on environment and disaster risk; predictable domestic and regional climate financing; Early warning and early action linked to communities; inclusive management of land, water and forests; and placing youth and women at the centre of resilience.
“We must create livelihoods before desperation drives communities into displacement. And we must address grievances before they become conflict,” she said.
Professor Nassirou Ball-Arifari, the Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, who represented the President of the ECOWAS Commission, described climate change as a threat multiplier.
He disclosed that over two million people were displaced in 2024 due to natural disasters linked to climate change, with over 7 million affected in the ECOWAS space.
Mr Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker, Parliament of Ghana, said the success of ECOWAS depended as much on national parliaments as on regional decisions.
He said West Africa faced interconnected challenges and singled out illegal small-scale mining in Ghana, locally known as galamsey, as one of the most serious environmental threats, causing water contamination, deforestation, destruction of habitats and health risks.
He said security could no longer be understood only in traditional terms and must encompass human security.
“Good policies without resources remain aspirational,” and urged ECOWAS to strengthen its own capacity to finance climate adaptation and peace and security.
Mr Asiamah reaffirmed Ghana’s support for the progressive realisation of direct election of members to the ECOWAS Parliament to strengthen democratic legitimacy.
“The security and prosperity of one member state are inseparable from that of the entire ECOWAS region,” the Second Deputy Speaker added
Mr Kwaku George Ricketts-Hagan, the Head of the Ghanaian Delegation to ECOWAS Parliament, reaffirmed Ghana’s delegation to ECOWAS Parliament’s commitment to regional democratic governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Email: [email protected]