Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has described illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, as one of the most serious environmental threats facing the West African sub-region.
According to him, land degradation linked to illegal mining is contributing to water contamination, deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion, air pollution and biodiversity loss, with implications for public health, livelihoods and economic security.
Mr Bagbin made the observation in an address delivered on his behalf by Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Amoako Asiamah at the joint opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Parliament’s seminar and Second Extraordinary Session in Accra on Tuesday, September 22.
He said climate change, environmental degradation, population displacement and insecurity were interconnected challenges that required an integrated regional response.
He called for stronger legislation on environmental governance, climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and natural-resource management, as well as enhanced regional cooperation to address environmental crimes.
The parliamentary programme commenced on Monday, September 21, with the joint solemn opening held on Tuesday.