Minister-designate for Environment advocates phased approach to Ghana's environmental issues
The Minister-designate for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has called for a thoughtful and phased approach to addressing key environmental challenges during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30.
The nominee touched on critical issues such as plastic waste management, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and securing climate funding, offering balanced perspectives on each topic.
Cautious approach to banning plastics
When questioned about Ghana's escalating plastic waste challenge, Murtala warned against rushing into a plastic ban without first identifying viable alternatives.
He argued that an immediate ban without comprehensive planning could lead to unintended consequences.
“You don’t just ban something because there is a challenge. You need to look for alternatives. If you don’t have alternatives and proceed to impose a ban, the consequences may be dire,” he explained.
He proposed a thorough study to explore potential alternatives, advocating for the development of reusable containers and biodegradable packaging.
He pointed to Rwanda’s phased approach to plastic bans as a potential model for Ghana to follow.
Genetically modified organisms: A balanced approach
Addressing the debate on genetically modified foods, he emphasised the need for a careful, evidence-based approach.
He noted that food scarcity in developing countries requires a nuanced discussion, rather than an outright ban.
“I believe the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is capable of assessing and advising the government,” he said, adding that the NBA, through its regulatory framework, plays a critical role in evaluating the safety of GMOs in Ghana.
Securing climate funding amid global shifts
Mr Murtala also raised concerns about global climate funding, particularly in light of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
He warned that such actions could undermine global climate efforts and jeopardise Ghana’s access to crucial climate financing.
“It is a worrying issue that the US has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement because it is the biggest funder. If we don’t honour our Nationally Determined Contributions, we risk losing key donor support,” he said.
He stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement and collaboration with international partners to ensure Ghana continues to benefit from global climate funding and maintain momentum in its environmental initiatives.
His vetting covered a range of environmental concerns, but these key issues reflected his vision for addressing Ghana's most pressing ecological challenges with both caution and strategic foresight.