Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings pledges inter-ministerial coordination on illegal mining, backs styrofoam ban

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the newly appointed Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, has pledged her commitment to inter-ministerial coordination in the fight against illegal mining. She emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among relevant ministries, such as Lands and Local Government, to avoid duplication of effort and ensure a unified approach.

Agyeman-Rawlings also backed a proposed ban on styrofoam, citing the Environmental Protection Agency's recent awareness campaign in Kumasi. She highlighted the dangers associated with polystyrene use and reflected on how consumer habits have changed over time. Agyeman-Rawlings believes that behavior change requires time, but can be supported through incentives, penalties, and enforcing the ban timeline.

Concerning Ghana's scientific institutions, the Minister-designate expressed concern over a growing brain drain affecting not only ministry agencies but the scientific community as a whole. She proposed improving conditions of service for scientists, adequate resourcing of scientific institutions, and providing clearer career progression paths. Agyeman-Rawlings outlined these three priorities as crucial for enhancing the scientific community's working environment and ensuring long-term success.