Tamale, Ghana – February 19, 2025: An environmental advocacy group, Rescue Mission International (ReMI), has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, opposing a proposal to fund a Members of Parliament (MPs) Pension Fund Scheme using carbon credit revenues.
The proposal, announced by Majority Leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga on January 29, 2025, during the 8th sitting of the 9th Parliament, has sparked controversy, with ReMI arguing that such a move would divert critical environmental funds from their intended purpose.
In the petition, ReMI outlined several concerns, including: Misallocation of Funds: Carbon credit revenues are meant to support environmental sustainability and climate initiatives.
Using them for MPs’ pensions would deprive Ghana of resources needed for pressing climate challenges such as deforestation and biodiversity loss.
The group cited international examples, including the UK, Canada, and South Africa, where MPs’ pensions are funded through contributory schemes rather than environmental funds.
Lack of Public Consultation: ReMI criticized the absence of stakeholder engagement, arguing that carbon credit revenues are a national resource that should be allocated transparently and inclusively.
Potential Damage to Ghana’s Climate Commitments: Diverting carbon credit revenues for non-environmental purposes could undermine Ghana’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), affecting the country’s credibility in global climate financing.
Equity and Fairness: The petition stressed that communities involved in carbon credit-generating projects should be the primary beneficiaries, not MPs who already receive salaries and allowances from taxpayers.
ReMI has therefore urged Parliament to reconsider the proposal and explore alternative funding mechanisms that do not compromise environmental goals.
The group recommends: Ring-fencing carbon credit revenues for environmental conservation, renewable energy, reforestation, and climate resilience projects.
Exploring alternative funding sources such as MPs’ salary contributions, investments, or non-environmental revenue streams.
Engaging stakeholders, including civil society and the public, to ensure transparency in fund allocation.
Rescue Mission International (ReMI), emphasized that Parliament must prioritize Ghana’s long-term environmental and developmental interests.
The organization has called for an urgent review of the proposal and pledged its readiness to engage in discussions on sustainable funding options for MPs’ pensions.
The petition, signed by over 20 representatives from ReMI, was also copied to the Clerk of Parliament, Majority and Minority Leaders, the Minister of Environment, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and select media houses.
As public discourse around the issue grows, it remains to be seen whether Parliament will reconsider the proposal or proceed despite opposition from environmental stakeholders.
Story By: Robicon Mornahson
