Murtala Mohammed calls for increased funding for environmental and research institutions
The Minister-designate for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has called for increased budgetary allocations to environmental and research institutions to address Ghana’s pressing environmental and scientific challenges.
During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, 30 January, he emphasised the urgent need for sustainable policies and financial support to tackle plastic waste, pollution, and environmental degradation.
Tackling environmental challenges
Murtala Mohammed highlighted waste segregation as a key component of effective environmental management. He pointed out that in advanced economies, waste separation begins at the household level, significantly improving disposal efficiency.
"If approved, I will work on policies that educate the public on proper waste disposal and segregation, while ensuring government intervention in providing appropriate waste bins for households," he stated.
On plastic waste management, he cautioned against an outright ban on plastics without viable alternatives. "A comprehensive feasibility study is necessary to assess the socio-economic impact of a ban and explore sustainable alternatives," he noted. He called for government support for local industries to invest in biodegradable materials before introducing restrictive policies.
Addressing noise pollution, the minister-designate proposed strengthening collaboration between ministries, local authorities, and traditional leaders to develop effective regulations. "The EPA law needs a review to incorporate noise pollution control measures," he suggested, indicating possible amendments to existing legislation.
The minister-designate also underscored the moral obligation to protect the environment, citing religious texts as a foundation for conservation.
"Genesis 2:15 in the Bible and Quran 2:30 both emphasise our duty to safeguard the environment. It is not just a policy matter but a collective responsibility," he remarked.
Boosting STEM education and research
Beyond environmental concerns, Murtala Mohammed stressed the critical role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in driving innovation and industrialisation. He advocated for integrating STEM education across all levels of Ghana’s curriculum rather than limiting it to science students.
"I believe everyone should have basic knowledge in science and mathematics, regardless of their area of study. Incorporating STEM education into our curricula at all levels will help prepare the next generation for the future," he stated.
To enhance Ghana’s technological capacity, he proposed collaborating with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Communications to improve nationwide internet access through expanded fibre optic infrastructure.
Strengthening research institutions
He further acknowledged the financial constraints faced by Ghana’s research institutions and called for increased budgetary allocations. He also proposed internal collaboration among agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission to optimise resources.
"Research is fundamental to our growth and development, yet the percentage of GDP allocated to it is discouraging. The government must prioritise funding for research to ensure sustainable progress," he emphasised.
He further suggested linking research institutions with private sector players to encourage commercial research, ensuring that scientific output contributes to national development while generating revenue.
He raised concerns about state-employed scientists conducting private research using government resources without financial benefits to the state, calling for policies to ensure a portion of such earnings supports research institutions.
Addressing concerns over the capping policy affecting internally generated funds (IGF) for research institutions, Murtala Mohammed assured that he would engage the Ministry of Finance to resolve the issue and ensure agencies have adequate funding to execute their mandates.
His nomination now awaits parliamentary approval.