Minority Raises Concern Over Silence In Ghana-BP Carbon Credit Talks

The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has raised concerns over the apparent delay in negotiations between Ghana and BP on a proposed carbon credit agreement, urging government officials to provide clarity on the status of the discussions and consider alternative steps to move the process forward.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament of Ghana on Thursday, the Minority Chief Whip acknowledged the difficulties that may confront the sector minister, but insisted that the prolonged silence surrounding the negotiations required urgent explanation.

According to him, developments around the proposed carbon credit initiative had shown steady progress since 2023, but momentum appears to have slowed in recent months, raising questions about what may be hindering the next phase of the process.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh questioned whether the delay could be linked to the Office of the Attorney General, particularly in relation to the legal framework required to conclude the agreement. He also asked whether Ghana had adequately prepared the necessary documentation to facilitate the deal.

Describing the situation as potentially reaching a “cul-de-sac,” the Legislator called on the responsible ministry to explain the factors behind the apparent stagnation and outline concrete steps being taken to resolve the impasse.

He further sought clarification on whether the government had considered alternative approaches to prompt a response from BP and advance the negotiations.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh stressed that Ghana could not afford to remain idle while waiting indefinitely for feedback, especially given the growing global opportunities within the carbon credit market.

He noted that carbon trading has increasingly become a key mechanism for financing climate action and supporting sustainable development efforts and, therefore, requires proactive engagement from the country.

Responding to the concerns on the floor, the minister of state in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, Issifu Seidu, indicated that a memorandum relating to the proposed agreement had already undergone review and that a legal opinion had been formally forwarded to BP.

According to the minister, the government is currently awaiting the multinational energy company’s response to the legal advice before any further progress can be made.

The minister explained that until BP provides formal consent following its review of the legal opinion, the government cannot proceed with the next phase of the agreement.

However, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh maintained that Ghana must adopt a more proactive approach in dealing with the delay, arguing that the country cannot simply “put its hands behind its back” while waiting for a response.

He emphasised that the proposed arrangement was a collaborative partnership between Ghana and BP and, therefore, requires continuous engagement to ensure that discussions remain active and productive.

Despite raising the concerns, the Minority Chief Whip struck a conciliatory tone, offering the support of the Minority Caucus to help government navigate the challenges surrounding the negotiations.

He assured the House that members on the Minority side, particularly those with expertise in climate policy and environmental matters, stand ready to assist the ministry in advancing the initiative for the benefit of the country.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh also revealed that he had personally attempted to reach the minister over the past month to discuss the matter, but had not been successful.

Nevertheless, he reiterated his willingness, along with other knowledgeable Members of Parliament, to provide assistance whenever necessary; stressing that the carbon credit negotiations should be treated as a national priority rather than a partisan issue.

The post Minority Raises Concern Over Silence In Ghana-BP Carbon Credit Talks appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

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