The Youth Climate Council Ghana (YCC), an independent youth-led climate advocacy organization, has expressed deep concern and strong opposition to a recent parliamentary proposal to establish a pension fund scheme for Members of Parliament (MPs) using revenues from Ghana’s carbon market.

The YCC argued that this proposal undermines the country’s climate commitments and constitutes a blatant misuse of climate finance resources intended to support national sustainability efforts.

In a strongly worded press release, the YCC emphasized that the proposed use of carbon credit revenues directly contravenes the objectives of the Paris Agreement, specifically under Article 6, which provides a framework for carbon markets with the goal of advancing climate action and sustainable development.

The diversion of these funds from their intended purpose threatens Ghana’s ability to meet its emissions reduction targets and violates international climate commitments.

“Carbon credit revenues must be strictly allocated to greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation initiatives such as renewable energy expansion, reforestation, climate-smart agriculture, and waste management.
“Any deviation from this mandate is an unjustifiable breach of trust and a setback for climate justice in Ghana.”
Youth Climate Council Ghana (YCC)

Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64,000 ktCO₂e by 2030.

A significant portion of this reduction relies on the effective implementation of carbon market mechanisms and international financial support.

The updated NDC document highlights the need for investments between US$9.3 billion and US$15.5 billion to implement 47 climate-related measures from 2020 to 2030.

The YCC stressed that diverting carbon market revenues to fund MPs’ pensions jeopardizes Ghana’s ability to meet these ambitious targets.

“With only 33% of the Tier 2 emission reduction target met, every available fund must go toward climate mitigation, not personal financial benefits.”
Youth Climate Council Ghana (YCC)

Ghana, like many countries in the Global South, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and coastal erosion threaten livelihoods and infrastructure nationwide.

The YCC highlighted the urgent need for resilience-building efforts to protect vulnerable communities and strengthen Ghana’s climate adaptation capabilities.

“While we acknowledge that MPs, like all workers, deserve a fair and structured pension scheme, this must not come at the expense of Ghana’s already limited climate funds.
“These funds are essential for achieving sustainability and ensuring the long-term success of environmental initiatives.”
Youth Climate Council Ghana (YCC)

Call to Action for the Public

YCC carbon credit market — carbon credit market

The YCC has called on civil society organizations, climate activists, and the general public to reject the proposal and demand greater accountability in climate finance governance.

The organization emphasized the need for a united front to safeguard Ghana’s environmental future and ensure that climate funds serve their rightful purpose.

“As young climate advocates, we remain committed to safeguarding Ghana’s environmental future, ensuring that climate finance serves its rightful purpose in building a sustainable, climate-resilient nation for all.”
Youth Climate Council Ghana (YCC)

The organization plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to mobilize public opposition to the proposal, including petitions, peaceful demonstrations, and advocacy engagements with key stakeholders in government and the private sector.

In place of the controversial proposal, the YCC has suggested alternative revenue sources to fund MPs’ pension schemes. One such recommendation is to review existing mining leases to increase Ghana’s revenue share, with even a modest 1% allocation sufficient to support the pension fund without compromising climate finance objectives.

“Parliament must prioritize long-term economic and environmental sustainability over short-term political convenience.
“Ghana’s carbon market revenue must remain intact for climate action.”
Youth Climate Council Ghana (YCC)

The YCC’s firm stance against the parliamentary proposal reflects a growing recognition of the critical role climate finance plays in achieving national and global sustainability goals.

At a time when climate change poses an existential threat to vulnerable nations like Ghana, every dollar of carbon revenue must be channeled toward environmental protection and climate resilience.

Ghana’s future depends on bold leadership and unwavering commitment to climate action. The YCC’s message to Parliament is clear: uphold the integrity of climate finance, reject the proposal to divert carbon revenues, and work collectively to secure a sustainable future for all Ghanaians.