ECOWAS Parliament Addresses Climate Displacement in Ghana

The ECOWAS Parliament commenced deliberations on September 21, 2026, in Accra, Ghana, focusing on a regional response to climate-driven displacement and insecurity in West Africa. The discussions were part of the Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament and Second Seminar, themed “Climate Change as a Driver of Environmental Degradation, Population Displacement and Rising Insecurity in the ECOWAS Region.” Speaker Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima welcomed participants, emphasizing the importance of the gathering.

Dr. Derek Sarfo-Yiadom, Senior Programme Officer at Ghana’s Environmental Protection Authority, presented on the implications of climate change, noting that rising temperatures and extreme weather events were threatening livelihoods and stability. He highlighted the increased risks of flooding and drought, particularly affecting farmers and low-income communities.

The expert called for enhanced regional cooperation, investment in climate adaptation, improved early-warning systems, and better access to climate finance to address these growing challenges.