Africa-Press – Ghana. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has raised serious concerns over the persistent underfunding of Ghana’s legislative arm, noting that the financial constraints are undermining its effectiveness and dignity.
He cited the malfunctioning of air conditioners within Members of Parliament’s offices as a stark example of the budgetary constraints it 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 Speaker revealed that Parliament struggled to secure even one percent of the national revenue for its operations, a situation he described as untenable for a democratic institution tasked with oversight, lawmaking, and representation.
He called for an urgent reassessment of the funding model to ensure Parliament was adequately resourced to fulfill its mandate.
Mr Bagbin emphasised that a well-functioning Parliament was essential for good governance and accountability, and warned that continued financial neglect could erode public trust and weaken democratic institutions.
The Speaker urged the Budget Committee of Parliament to prioritise funding for climate initiatives, particularly those aimed at reducing methane emissions and promoting green innovations.
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 Parliament.
Mr Bagbin stressed 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 and believed 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 urged Ghana to 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.
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