Zanetor Vows Decisive Action To Protect Ghana’s Environment

By: Joyce Owusu
August 31, 2026

Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, the newly appointed Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, has pledged to pursue decisive action against environmental degradation while promoting science, technology and innovation as drivers of Ghana’s economic transformation. The Korle Klottey Member of Parliament, in her first major statement following her appointment, said the country’s environmental challenges—including illegal mining, pollution, waste management and the sustainable use of natural resources—required courage, innovation and collective action.

She also promised to work with scientists, researchers, innovators, environmentalists, businesses, universities, civil society organisations and communities to develop practical solutions that would create jobs, strengthen industry, improve agriculture and healthcare, and make Ghana more competitive. Dr Agyemang-Rawlings expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence reposed in her through the appointment, describing public service as a responsibility anchored in “duty, sacrifice and stewardship.” “I do not take this responsibility lightly,” she stated, stressing that she was approaching the new role with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to serve.

A central theme of Dr Agyemang-Rawlings’ message was the need for Ghanaians to change the way they view and manage the country’s natural resources. She said the environment should not be treated merely as a resource for exploitation but as an inheritance entrusted to the present generation to protect for the future. “I see our environment not as a resource to exploit, but as an inheritance entrusted to our care,” she said. According to her, Ghanaians have a responsibility to protect the country’s flora and fauna, water bodies, land, air and other natural resources, while ensuring that their use does not compromise the interests of future generations. Her position comes at a time when environmental protection remains a major national concern, particularly amid the persistent threat posed by illegal mining, pollution, poor waste management and the degradation of water bodies and land.

Beyond environmental protection, the minister placed science, technology and innovation at the centre of her vision for Ghana’s development. She argued that research should move beyond academic institutions and be translated into practical solutions through stronger partnerships among government, the private sector, civil society, communities and universities. She said such collaboration could help Ghana create employment opportunities, strengthen local industries and improve outcomes in key sectors such as agriculture and healthcare. “Science, technology and innovation can unlock a new chapter in Ghana’s development,” she said, emphasising the need to connect research and innovation with the practical needs of the economy. Dr Zanetor said she intended to listen, learn and engage with the various stakeholders whose expertise would be necessary to deliver on the mandate of the ministry.

The minister also made clear that addressing Ghana’s environmental and developmental challenges would require more than the efforts of one person or institution. She identified scientists, researchers, innovators, environmentalists, institutions, businesses and local communities as important partners in protecting the country’s resources and unlocking their economic potential responsibly. “This is bigger than any one individual. It is about the Ghana we leave behind, and I am ready to serve,” she said. Dr Agyemang-Rawlings further pledged to approach her responsibilities with integrity, humility and purpose, arguing that the success of public office should ultimately be measured by its impact on people rather than the status attached to the position. “The ultimate measure of public office is not the position we occupy, but the lives we touch and the difference we make,” she said.

The new minister appealed to Ghanaians to support her efforts with prayers, ideas and partnership as she takes on the responsibility of overseeing the country’s environmental, scientific and technological agenda. She said her objective was to contribute to building a Ghana that is more sustainable, innovative and prosperous, while ensuring that the country’s natural resources are protected for generations yet unborn. Dr Agyemang-Rawlings ended her message with a commitment to serve and called for collective efforts to create a better future for the country. “May our work today create a better tomorrow for generations to come,” she said.