The nominee for Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has firmly stated her resolve to work closely with other state institutions to sustain and win the fight against illegal mining and other environmental crimes.
She said the complexity of galamsey required a coordinated multi-stakeholder strategy to tackle the menace.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, the Klottey Korle Member of Parliament (MP), who appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament yesterday, gave a firm assurance that when given the nod as the MEST minister, she would rally all agencies under the ministry and also work with both local and international partners to deal with all forms of environmental pollution to save the planet.
On the specific issue of galamsey, the medical doctor, who is also an environmental advocate, said she would work with the ministers of Land and Natural Resources, Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and other stakeholders to stem the tide.
Context
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings is heading to MEST at a time the country is battling key environmental challenges, including illegal mining (galamsey), deforestation and forest degradation, a waste management crisis, as well as climate change impacts on local communities.
For instance, a recent research by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI) revealed that more than 60 per cent of the country's waterbodies have been polluted by illegal mining activities, exposing the country to environmental, health and livelihood hazards.
The latest scientific study by the Forestry Commission has revealed that 8,923.8 hectares of the country's forest reserves, equivalent to 12,500 standard football fields, have been heavily impacted by illegal mining activities.
Key issues
Members of the Appointments Committee quizzed the nominee on her knowledge of environmental issues and how to deal with those emerging challenges in the sector.
She was also asked about issues, including the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to climate change, loss and damage, plastic pollution, and electronic waste, to which she proffered competent answers.
The committee also sought her views on how to deal with the attrition rate of scientists in the agencies under MEST, the beneficial use of artificial intelligence (AI), and ways by which research conducted by scientists at the CSIR could be leveraged for national development.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stressed that since the environment was a critical natural resource for sustainable development, she would take the needed steps to safeguard it through regulatory enforcement.
For instance, she said one of her priorities, when given approval by Parliament, would be to oversee the enforcement of the policy on the ban of single-use plastics.
"I will do everything possible to tackle the plastic waste challenge through awareness creation and enforcement of the plastic policies, and I believe that with the support of other stakeholders and all citizens, we can protect our environment from pollution," he said.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said she would support CSIR to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector to take up research for national development.
She also said efforts would be made to ensure that the potential of AI was leveraged as a resource for development.
