By George K. Momo
MONROVIA, Sept. 29 (LINA) – In a broader move to address climate change and its effect on the ECOWAS basin, a seminar and parliamentary sessions focusing on climate change and regional cooperation are underway in Accra, Ghana under the auspices of the ECOWAS Parliament.
The seminar, which features presentations by climate experts from across the West African region, is providing a platform for interactive discussions on the impact of climate change, shifting weather patterns, and opportunities for nation’s participation including Liberia.
Speaking via mobile phone from Accra on a local radio talk show on Monday, September 21, 2026, Senator Edwin M. Snowe Jr., Head of Liberia Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) disclosed that the formal opening of the seminar was rescheduled due to the memorial anniversary of Kwame Nkrumah which is a national holiday in Ghana.
“Tomorrow we will do the actual formal opening where the Vice President of Ghana as the President is at the UN will be here to open the seminar,” Senator Snowe explained.
He disclosed that the Vice President of Ghana is expected to officially open the seminar and the parliamentary session on Tuesday.
He indicated that the ongoing seminar will feature expert presenters discussing the different dimensions of climate change, its effects on regional borders, weather variability, and agriculture, noting that participants are sharing experiences and insights from their respective countries.
“Presenters are talking about climate change, the different extent of climate change, regional borders, and weather change over time. That is the impact of climate change,” he noted.
He added that his dual role as a politician and a farmer gives him a practical perspective on climate impacts.
“In my case, for example, I happen to be a politician but also a farmer, so what is the impact on my farm, on my crops, those are some of the experiences we are sharing with colleagues and the presenters,” he said.
According to him, the seminar will run until Tuesday, followed by an extraordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament scheduled for Wednesday afternoon through Saturday, which will focus on the committee’s budget and other critical regional matters.
On the question of Liberian representation, the lawmaker clarified that while the current seminar involves a selected group of committee members, the upcoming extraordinary session will involve all members of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Addressing claims that his facilitation of travel opportunities for Liberians to ECOWAS events is linked to politics or upcoming elections, the lawmaker dismissed such insinuations.
“I have a direct relationship with many people. I have carried people for election observation missions. I have carried people from Liberia including journalists to travel for ECOWAS meetings, to attend sessions. I have done this as a Liberian. It has absolutely nothing to do with elections. I’m a representative for Liberia, and I love to provide opportunities for my people,” he emphasized.
The ECOWAS Parliament seminar is expected to climax with resolutions on climate adaptation strategies and the approval of committee budgets during the extraordinary session.