Zanetor pushes science-led development with environmental safeguards

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, has committed to advancing Ghana's development through scientific and technological means while ensuring the protection of the environment. During her inauguration as Minister, she emphasized that scientific progress should not come at the expense of the natural resources that sustain the country's livelihoods.

The Minister highlighted the pressing environmental challenges Ghana faces, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation, which threaten both ecosystems and long-term development prospects. Recognizing the critical role of the environmental portfolio, she called for enhanced collaboration among her team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, professionalism, and a shared commitment to results.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings assured her colleagues that her leadership would be inclusive, focused on performance, and free from favoritism, while promoting discipline, transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources. She expressed her gratitude towards President Mahama for his confidence in her and pledged to leverage the expertise and knowledge of the Ministry's staff.

The outgoing Minister, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, acknowledged the Ministry's achievements in environmental protection, science, technology, and innovation during his tenure. One significant accomplishment was the revocation of legislation that allowed mining in forest reserves, which he described as a landmark step towards environmental conservation.

Under his leadership, the Ministry had also passed six legislative instruments to operationalize the Environmental Protection Act and established 15 new district offices of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, Ghana has strengthened its international presence in climate negotiations and implemented initiatives like the "Three for Life" and "One Child Per Tree" programs to promote environmental restoration and awareness.

Dr. Buah, who was appointed as a caretaker Minister following the tragic helicopter crash in August 2025 that claimed several government officials, including Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, pledged to continue Ghana's environmental efforts.