{
  "id": 9337591,
  "title": "Galamsey Threatens West Africa’s Environmental Security – Bagbin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/galamsey-threatens-west-africas-environmental-security-bagbin",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T12:28:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Guide Network",
    "slug": "daily-guide-network",
    "url": "https://dailyguidenetwork.com/galamsey-threatens-west-africas-environmental-security-bagbin/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Galamsey, or illegal small-scale mining, poses a severe environmental danger across West Africa, according to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. This destructive practice, coupled with other environmental issues, jeopardizes livelihoods, economic stability, and well-being throughout the region. Bagbin highlighted the impact of galamsey during an opening ceremony for the ECOWAS Parliament's seminar and the Second Extraordinary Session in Accra. The seminar focused on the themes of climate change, environmental degradation, population displacement, and increasing insecurity. Bagbin emphasized that galamsey contributes to water pollution, deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion, air contamination, biodiversity loss, and health risks. He stressed that these environmental issues are interconnected and necessitate a coordinated response from all ECOWAS nations. Bagbin pointed out that climate change is already altering weather patterns, causing more frequent floods and droughts, and putting significant pressure on natural resources. Deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable resource extraction are weakening the resilience of communities. He warned that the consequences of environmental degradation extend beyond environmental damage, affecting economic security and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. Bagbin argued that security must now encompass human security, including personal safety, livelihoods, food systems, and the environment. He noted that climate change could exacerbate competition for limited resources, while environmental degradation might trigger migration and expose displaced people to exploitation and trafficking. To address these challenges, Bagbin urged parliamentarians in the ECOWAS region to support legislation on environmental governance, climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and natural-resource management. He called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle population displacement and protect displaced persons, refugees, and host communities. Bagbin stressed that no single ECOWAS member state can tackle these challenges alone, as rivers and ecosystems cross national borders, and environmental crimes operate across jurisdictions. He called for adequate financing for sustainable development, climate adaptation, peace, and security, urging the ECOWAS region to enhance its capacity to fund these priorities. Bagbin highlighted that transitioning to a climate-resilient and sustainable West Africa could generate economic growth and employment opportunities, particularly in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship. He emphasized that demonstrating political will and solidarity in addressing environmental threats is crucial, as the security and prosperity of one member state are intrinsically linked to those of the entire ECOWAS region.",
  "summary": "Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin Illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, has become one of the most serious environmental threats facing West Africa, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Read More... The post Galamsey Threatens West Africa’s Environmental Security – Bagbin appeared first on DailyGuide Network .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}