Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, says protecting Ghana’s environment must be treated as a shared national responsibility, with natural resources preserved for both present and future generations.
In a statement following her swearing-in, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the country’s natural resources should not be exploited without considering their long-term impact.
“I see our environment not as a resource to exploit, but as an inheritance entrusted to our care,” she stated.
She noted that protecting Ghana’s ecosystems requires the collective efforts of government and citizens, particularly in safeguarding water bodies, forests, land and other natural assets.
“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,” she said.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings acknowledged that Ghana continues to face serious environmental problems, including illegal mining, pollution, climate change, poor waste management and environmental degradation.
“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,” she stated.
She said addressing these challenges would require cooperation between government and experts in various fields, as well as businesses and communities.
“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,” she said.
The Minister also spoke about her new role in government, expressing appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the appointment.
She described public office as a responsibility that must be approached with humility, integrity and a commitment to serving citizens.
“I do not take this responsibility lightly. Public service is, first and foremost, a call to duty, sacrifice and stewardship,” she said.
According to her, the success of public officials should be judged by the difference they make in people’s lives rather than the positions they hold.
“The ultimate measure of public office is not the position we occupy, but the lives we touch and the difference we make,” she stated.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings therefore urged Ghanaians to support efforts aimed at protecting the environment while using science and technology to drive national development.
“This is bigger than any one individual. It is about the Ghana we leave behind, and I am ready to serve,” she added.