The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, officially handed over leadership of Ghana's Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament to the Deputy Majority Leader, George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, on the sidelines of the 2026 Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Accra. This handover occurred as part of a week-long programme, being held from Monday, September 21 to Sunday, September 27. The event brings together ECOWAS parliamentarians, government officials, diplomats, international organisations, and civil society.
The programme serves as the Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament of 2026 and has the theme: "Climate Change as a Factor of Environmental Degradation, Population Displacement and Growing Insecurity in the ECOWAS Region." During the session, Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasised the need for a stronger, people-centred approach to West African integration. He stressed that the benefits of regional cooperation must be felt directly by citizens.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, will continue to serve as a member of Ghana's delegation to the regional body until 2028. In his remarks, he assured the new head of delegation of his full support and cooperation to ensure continuity and effective representation of Ghana's interests.
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. Mr. Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed his commitment to the objectives of the ECOWAS Parliament and the broader vision of a more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa.
On climate and security, Mr. Afenyo-Markin cautioned against reducing every conflict in the region to climate change. However, he noted that environmental pressures could intensify existing vulnerabilities such as poverty, competition over land and water, and weakened livelihoods. He called for the work of the ECOWAS Parliament to be taken closer to the people.
The ECOWAS Parliament's session in Accra is part of a series of engagements aimed at promoting regional integration. Previous decentralised engagements were held in Liberia in 2019 and Winneba in Effutu in 2021. The event seeks to address pressing issues affecting the region, including climate change, environmental degradation, and growing insecurity.
As Ghana's delegation leadership transitions to George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, the country is expected to continue playing an active role in promoting regional integration and addressing common challenges. The ECOWAS Parliament's work is crucial in fostering cooperation among West African countries and promoting a more integrated and prosperous region.
Key points
- Alexander Afenyo-Markin hands over leadership of Ghana's Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament to George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan.
- The ECOWAS Parliament's 2026 Second Extraordinary Session focuses on climate change and its impact on the region.
- Afenyo-Markin emphasises the need for a people-centred approach to West African integration.
