Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings pledges decisive action on climate change, galamsey and environmental degradation

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the recently appointed Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, has committed to taking immediate and strong measures to combat climate change, environmental degradation, illegal mining, pollution and other environmental issues facing Ghana. In a statement made after her appointment, Dr Rawlings expressed her gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for entrusting her with this responsibility, and pledged to handle the role with integrity, humility and a deep sense of duty.

She emphasized that public service involves a commitment to sacrifice, stewardship, and hard work. Dr Rawlings highlighted the importance of science, technology and innovation in Ghana’s development, stressing that research should move from academic settings into practical partnerships involving the government, private sector, civil society, communities, and universities.

She stressed that these collaborations should aim at job creation, industry strengthening, agricultural and healthcare improvement, and fostering a more innovative and competitive economy. Dr Rawlings cautioned that the challenges at hand, such as climate change, environmental degradation, illegal mining, waste management, pollution and sustainable use of natural resources, are significant and require courage, innovation, collaboration, and decisive action.

She stressed that the environment should not merely be seen as a resource for exploitation, but as an inheritance that must be safeguarded for present and future generations. Dr Rawlings emphasized her vision for Ghana’s environment as something to be protected, not exploited, and pledged to preserve the country’s flora, fauna, water bodies, land, air, and other natural resources.

She also stressed the importance of engaging scientists, researchers, innovators, environmentalists, businesses, institutions, and communities in addressing Ghana’s environmental and development challenges, committing to listen, learn, and engage stakeholders while unlocking the country’s natural and scientific potential responsibly.

Dr Rawlings appealed to Ghanaians to support her with prayers, ideas, and partnerships as she takes on her new role. She emphasized that this task is not just an individual responsibility, but a collective duty for the Ghana she intends to leave behind, and underscored her readiness to serve. Her appointment puts her in charge of a ministry that is expected to play a crucial role in tackling some of Ghana’s most pressing environmental concerns, including illegal mining, climate change, pollution, waste management and sustainable management of natural resources.