The Youth Climate Council Ghana (YCC) has strongly condemned a recent proposal by Parliament to fund Members of Parliament’s (MPs) pension schemes using revenue from the country’s carbon credit market.

The youth-led organisation has labelled the move as a direct violation of Ghana’s climate commitments and a dangerous misallocation of resources meant for sustainability initiatives. It has therefore asked Parliament to revoke the proposal and prioritise long-term environmental and economic sustainability over short-term political convenience.

According to YCC, diverting carbon finance to fund pensions undermines international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement’s Article 6, which clearly outlines that carbon markets should support greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and sustainable development.

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The group insists that these funds must be strictly used for climate action efforts such as renewable energy expansion, reforestation, climate-smart agriculture, and waste management.

Climate Commitments at Risk

Ghana has set ambitious climate targets under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64,000 ktCO₂e by 2030. The country’s climate finance strategy heavily relies on both international and nationally generated funds to achieve these goals.

Ghana needs between $9.3 billion and $15.5 billion to implement its 47 climate action measures from 2020 to 2030. However, YCC warns that any misdirection of carbon revenue could jeopardise the nation’s ability to meet these commitments.

“With only 33% of our Tier 2 emission reduction target met, every available resource should be allocated toward climate action—not personal financial benefits,” portions of the statement read.

A Call for Alternative Solutions

While acknowledging that MPs, like all workers, deserve a structured pension scheme, YCC insists that such a system should not be funded at the expense of Ghana’s already limited climate finance. Instead, the group has called on Parliament to explore sustainable revenue sources, such as reviewing current mining leases to increase Ghana’s revenue share, with even 1% dedicated to funding MPs’ pensions.

YCC also pointed out that Ghana’s carbon market framework highlights major gaps in expertise and institutional capacity, which must be addressed if the country is to fully benefit from the global carbon trading system.

“We must build workforce capacity for the Green Transition to ensure Ghana’s economic and environmental sustainability,” the group emphasised.

Public Outcry and Demand for Accountability

The Youth Climate Council Ghana is urging civil society organizations, climate activists, and the general public to reject this proposal and demand transparency and accountability in climate finance governance.

“As young climate advocates, we remain committed to protecting Ghana’s environmental future. Climate funds must be used for their rightful purpose—building a sustainable, climate-resilient nation for all,” the group stated.