Ghana’s Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, has called for stronger parliamentary involvement in climate finance, arguing that legislators must play a bigger role in turning international commitments into projects that deliver jobs, food security and stronger livelihoods.
Speaking at the Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20 Global Parliamentary Group Dialogue in Bangkok, Thailand, Mr Issifu said climate-vulnerable economies are increasingly squeezed by extreme weather, high debt and limited fiscal space.
The event was held on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings.
He said climate funding must be “accessible, affordable, predictable and aligned with national development priorities” if vulnerable countries are to invest without worsening their debt positions.
Parliament Key to Climate Investment
Mr Issifu identified Parliament as central to ensuring climate policies survive changes in government and financing is properly scrutinised.
He urged lawmakers to strengthen policy continuity through legislation and cross-party consensus, while ensuring budgets and financing arrangements reflect national development priorities.
Parliamentary oversight, he said, is equally important for safeguarding fiscal sustainability and ensuring that public resources allocated to climate programmes produce measurable results.
The Minister also pointed to the Vulnerability to Viability Compact, Climate Prosperity Plans and the V20 Lifeline Fund as mechanisms that could help mobilise investment and strengthen countries’ ability to withstand climate shocks.
Focus Shifts to Bankable Projects
Mr Issifu stressed that climate investment must respond to local realities, particularly the needs of communities most exposed to floods, droughts and other climate-related pressures.
He said his office would engage Parliament early on investment priorities and financing arrangements while reporting openly on implementation.
The bigger challenge, he said, is moving “from plans to bankable projects and from commitments to investments.”
Mr Issifu argued that achieving climate prosperity would require closer cooperation among governments, parliaments, financial institutions and development partners, with financing tied to tangible economic and social outcomes.
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