The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has urged the Budget Committee of Parliament to prioritise funding for climate initiatives, particularly those aimed at reducing methane emissions and promoting green innovations.
He expressed deep frustration over the chronic underfunding of Parliament, revealing that the institution struggled to secure even one percent of the national revenue for its operations.
He cited the deteriorating conditions within MPs’ offices, including malfunctioning air conditioners, as a stark example of the budgetary constraints Parliament faced.
Mr Bagbin made the remarks during the launch of a strategic partnership between the Parliament of Ghana and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) under the project titled “Enhancing Parliamentary Action on Climate Change: Strengthening the Role of Parliament in Reducing Methane Emissions.”
The two-year initiative is designed to build the capacity of members of Parliament to effectively advocate for policies and actions that address methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas contributing significantly to global warming.
Through workshops, expert engagements, and legislative support, the project aims to position Parliament as a key driver in Ghana’s climate response.
Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology and the Climate Change Caucus would constitute the foundation of legislators to champion actions to minimise methane emissions in Ghana.
Mr Bagbin emphasised that climate change was not a distant threat, but a global crisis that demanded bold legislative leadership.
By investing in methane reduction and green technologies, Parliament could help shape a sustainable environment for Ghana.
Mr Alex Ogutu, the IPU Africa Focal Person on Methane Project, who represented the Secretary General of IPU, lauded Ghana for showing commitment towards climate resilience over the years.
He also commended Speaker Bagbin for advancing climate action, while expressing the belief that the project would strengthen Parliament of Ghana’s capacity to reducing methane emissions.
Mr Ogutu announced that Global Methane Hub was providing funding for the project and believed that Ghana would provide leadership in climate change action in the West African sub-region.
The strategic partnership signals a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship and legislative innovation.
As the project unfolds, it is expected to foster stronger collaboration between Ghanaian lawmakers and international climate experts, ensuring that Parliament plays a proactive role in shaping climate policy and protecting the environment for generations yet unborn.