The Youth Climate Council Ghana (YCC) has strongly condemned a recent proposal by Parliament to fund Members of Parliament\u2019s (MPs) pension schemes using revenue from the country\u2019s carbon credit market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youth-led organisation has labelled the move as a direct violation of Ghana\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to YCC, diverting carbon finance to fund pensions undermines international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement\u2019s Article 6, which clearly outlines that carbon markets should support greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and sustainable development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read also: Parliament sets up committee over proposed MPs pension scheme using proceeds of carbon credit<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ghana has set ambitious climate targets under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64,000 ktCO\u2082e by 2030. The country\u2019s climate finance strategy heavily relies on both international and nationally generated funds to achieve these goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s ability to meet these commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n