Ghana’s newly appointed Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has pledged to confront the nation’s environmental challenges, declaring that natural resources must be treated as an inheritance rather than assets to be exploited.
In her first official statement following her appointment by President John Dramani Mahama, the medical doctor and Member of Parliament outlined a firm commitment to tackle illegal mining, climate change, environmental degradation and pollution.
“The challenges before us are significant,” Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said. “Managing climate change, environmental degradation, illegal mining, waste management, pollution and the sustainable use of our natural resources require courage, innovation, collaboration and above all, decisive action.”
Highlighting a shift in how ecosystems should be managed, the minister stressed that environmental protection must serve present and future generations.
“I see our environment not as a resource to exploit, but as an inheritance entrusted to our care,” she stated. “We are stewards with a duty to protect our flora and fauna, water bodies, land, air and natural resources, holding them in trust for this generation and for posterity.”
Beyond conservation, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings signalled plans to overhaul how scientific research is applied within the national economy. She called for closer links between government, academia, the private sector and local communities to ensure research translates into job creation, stronger industrial capacity, and improved agricultural and healthcare outcomes.
“Science, technology and innovation can unlock a new chapter in Ghana’s development,” she noted. “Our research must move beyond academia into practical partnerships.”
Expressing gratitude to President Mahama for the appointment, the minister described her vision for public service as a direct call to stewardship, sacrifice and integrity.
“I do not take this responsibility lightly,” she said. “I will listen. I will learn and I will engage, working with the many talented Ghanaians who believe in our country’s potential.”
Calling on researchers, innovators, businesses and the public to back her administration’s priorities, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings concluded that the task ahead transcends politics.
“This is bigger than any one individual,” she said. “It is about the Ghana we leave behind, and I am ready to serve.”
Below is the full statement
First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God, whose grace, guidance and providence have brought me this far.
I am grateful to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, for the confidence reposed in me through my appointment as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
I sincerely thank the President for his trust and for the opportunity to contribute to Ghana’s transformation in an area so critical to our national development.
I do not take this responsibility lightly. Public service is, first and foremost, a call to duty, sacrifice and stewardship.
Science, technology and innovation can unlock a new chapter in Ghana’s development. Our research must move beyond academia into practical partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society, communities and universities with a focus on creating jobs, strengthening industry, improving agriculture and healthcare, and building a more innovative and competitive economy.
The challenges before us are significant. Managing climate change, environmental degradation, illegal mining, waste management, pollution and the sustainable use of our natural resources require courage, innovation, collaboration and above all, decisive action.
I see our environment not as a resource to exploit, but as an inheritance entrusted to our care. We are stewards with a duty to protect our flora and fauna, water bodies, land, air and natural resources, holding them in trust for this generation and for posterity.
I am deeply honoured to serve our beloved nation in a portfolio that speaks directly to the Ghana we must build for ourselves, our children and generations yet unborn. I come into this role with a deep sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to serve.
I am a steward of what His Excellency has entrusted to me. I will listen. I will learn and I will engage, working with the many talented Ghanaians who believe in our country’s potential – our scientists, researchers, innovators, environmentalists, institutions, businesses and communities.
Together, we are stewards of what has been entrusted to us, and I will work with others to protect what we have, unlock its potential responsibly, and leave a stronger, more sustainable Ghana for generations to come.
My commitment is to approach this role with integrity, humility and purpose, remembering that the ultimate measure of public office is not the position we occupy, but the lives we touch and the difference we make.
To the people of Ghana: I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you. I ask for your prayers, support, ideas and partnership as we work together to protect our environment, advance science, harness technology and build a more sustainable, innovative and prosperous Ghana.
This is bigger than any one individual.
It is about the Ghana we leave behind, and I am ready to serve.
God bless our Motherland.
God bless the people of Ghana.
May our work today create a better tomorrow for generations to come.
Photo credit: The Presidency
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By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana