The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has warned that galamsey, or illegal small-scale mining, is one of the most serious environmental threats facing West Africa. According to him, this destructive practice, along with other forms of environmental degradation, is threatening livelihoods, economic security, and the quality of life of people across the sub-region.
Mr. Bagbin made these observations in an address delivered on his behalf by the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrews Amoako Asiamah, at the joint opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Parliament’s seminar and the Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Accra. The seminar's theme is “Climate Change, Environmental Degradation, Population Displacement and Growing Insecurity in the ECOWAS Region.”
Galamsey is contributing to various environmental issues, including water contamination, deforestation, destruction of habitats, soil erosion and degradation, air pollution, biodiversity loss, and health risks. The Speaker noted that these environmental challenges are interconnected and require an integrated response from countries in the region.
Climate change is disrupting weather patterns, intensifying floods and droughts, and putting pressure on natural resources. Deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable exploitation are weakening the resilience of communities. The consequences of environmental degradation go beyond environmental damage, affecting economic security and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
The growing insecurity in the region indicates that security can no longer be understood solely in traditional terms but must also encompass human security, including the safety of people, their livelihoods, food systems, and the environment. Climate change could intensify competition over scarce resources, while environmental degradation could drive migration and expose displaced populations to exploitation and trafficking.
Mr. Bagbin called for greater investment in preventive capacity and resilience-building instead of waiting for environmental and security crises to occur. He urged parliamentarians across the ECOWAS region to support legislation on environmental governance, climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and natural-resource management.
The Speaker emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation to address population displacement and protect displaced persons, refugees, and host communities. He stressed that no single ECOWAS member state can tackle these challenges alone, as rivers and ecosystems cross national boundaries, and environmental crimes operate across jurisdictions.
Key points
- Galamsey poses a serious threat to West Africa's environmental security.
- Environmental degradation affects economic security and livelihoods.
- Climate change requires an integrated response from ECOWAS countries.
