Deputy Majority Leader of Parliament and leader of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, has called for stronger regional cooperation and political dialogue to address the complex challenges confronting West Africa.
According to him, climate change, environmental degradation, population displacement, and insecurity have created challenges that transcend national borders and cannot be effectively addressed by individual countries acting alone.
Mr Ricketts-Hagan made the call at the joint opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Second Parliamentary Seminar and Second Extraordinary Session in Accra on Wednesday.
The seminar is being held under the theme: “Climate Change, Environmental Degradation, Population Displacement and Growing Insecurity in the ECOWAS Region.”
The Deputy Majority Leader said the gathering comes at a time when West Africa is facing several interconnected challenges that require collective action, political engagement and stronger cooperation among member states.
He welcomed the leadership and members of the ECOWAS Parliament and delegates from other member states to Ghana, describing their participation as a demonstration of a shared commitment to the ideals of ECOWAS and the role of parliamentary democracy in advancing regional integration.
Regional integration
Parliamentarians, he said, occupy a unique position within democratic systems because they are not only legislators but also representatives of citizens and key actors in promoting dialogue, accountability and good governance.
He said parliamentarians also have a responsibility to support the peaceful resolution of differences and promote positive socio-economic and environmental development.
“The ECOWAS Parliament therefore has an important role to play in bringing the voices, aspirations and concerns of our citizens closer to the regional decision-making process,” he said.
He noted that the responsibility has become increasingly important as member states confront challenges that extend beyond their individual territories.
Climate change, environmental degradation, displacement and insecurity, he said, require regional approaches that will bring countries together to develop common solutions.
The Deputy Majority Leader expressed confidence that deliberations during the seminar and extraordinary session would strengthen parliamentary cooperation and contribute to collective efforts to address the region’s pressing challenges.
According to him, the discussions should help deepen cooperation among ECOWAS member states on climate change, environmental protection, population displacement and insecurity.
Peace and security
Mr Ricketts-Hagan also urged participants to use the gathering to reaffirm their commitment to regional solidarity, democratic governance, peace, security and sustainable development.
He said the ECOWAS Parliament’s parliamentary dimension is critical to ensuring that regional integration translates into meaningful outcomes for citizens.
Mr Ricketts-Hagan expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Parliament and participants for attending the meetings in Accra and stressed that Ghana looks forward to fruitful deliberations and meaningful outcomes.
He encouraged the visiting parliamentarians and delegates to take advantage of Ghana’s hospitality and visit tourist attractions in and around Accra.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s Second Parliamentary Seminar is focusing on the relationship between climate change, environmental degradation, population displacement and growing insecurity, while the Second Extraordinary Session will consider key matters concerning the regional legislature.
The meetings bring together parliamentarians and representatives from across the ECOWAS region to deliberate on issues affecting regional integration, peace, security and sustainable development.