Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has pledged to protect Ghana’s natural resources and promote their sustainable use for the benefit of present and future generations.
She said Ghana’s environment must be regarded as a national inheritance entrusted to the current generation rather than a resource to be exploited without restraint.
In a statement posted on social media following her swearing-in last week, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the government and citizens have a shared responsibility to protect the country’s ecosystems and natural assets.
“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,” she added.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings acknowledged that Ghana faces several environmental challenges, including climate change, illegal mining, pollution, environmental degradation and poor waste management.
She said addressing these challenges would require decisive action, innovation and collaboration among stakeholders.
“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 said.
The Minister pledged to work with scientists, researchers, innovators, environmentalists, state institutions, businesses and local communities to address the challenges and advance sustainable development.
“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 stated.
‘Public service is a call to duty’
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing her to the position, describing public service as a responsibility that requires duty, sacrifice and stewardship.
“I do not take this responsibility lightly. Public service is, first and foremost, a call to duty, sacrifice and stewardship,” she said.
She pledged to discharge her responsibilities with integrity, humility and purpose, stressing that the success of public office should ultimately be measured by its impact on citizens.
“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 also called on Ghanaians to support efforts to protect the environment, advance science and harness technology for 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.