By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has called for a united front in addressing illegal mining (galamsey) and other environmental challenges the country is currently facing.
Speaking during his maiden familiarisation visit to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), he emphasised the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the environment.
“Environmental issues have become the most topical globally and we all have a moral duty to confront these challenges,” he stated.
Multi-sectoral approach
Mr. Murtala Muhammed stressed the need for a multi-sectoral approach to solving environmental problems, saying: “This is a multifaceted problem requiring a multifaceted solution. The ministry cannot tackle this alone; we need to work with other ministries including lands, defence, local government and rural development, chieftaincy, interior and justice”.
He also pointed out that security implications, legal frameworks and community engagements must be coordinated to ensure effective implementation of policies.
“We need to work in a collaborative fashion and I am very convinced that we will achieve the objective and purpose for which we were appointed,” he added.
The minister acknowledged the scale of environmental problems and significant role EPA and other agencies have to play in combatting them, while assuring staff of his commitment in providing the necessary support that enables them to perform their duties effectively.
He further urged all staff and stakeholders to work toward fulfilling government’s environmental goals.
“I will give you absolute freedom to work as far as it is in sync with the president’s objectives for the environmental space. I have proper appreciation of the challenges and I am poised to work with sector players to curb the challenges. Things will have to be done differently, as environmental issues have become critical,” he stated.
Stance against corruption and indiscipline
The minister made it clear that he will not tolerate corruption within his ministry and its agencies. “I have a position against corruption that is unconditional. If I could stand against corruption then, I certainly will not condone it now. I demand discipline and responsibility. We must be accountable and transparent in all our dealings,” he stated.
“What is expected of all of us is mutual respect and respect for structures and authority. I am a very calm person but I demand discipline and responsibility,” he added.
De-monopolise waste management
On waste management he said: “We need to de-monopolise waste management in this country. This is not about targetting existing companies but about engaging local authorities and SMEs to create a more effective system. If our current system was perfect, we would not be where we are today”.
Alternative livelihoods
He also emphasised the importance of alternative livelihood programmes for communities affected by environmental policies.
“A cocoa farmer once sold his land for galamsey because he could not pay his children’s school fees. This tells us that we need to provide alternative sources of income and deepen sensitisation on the dangers of illegal mining.”
He assured that under his leadership the ministry will be more involved in policy formulation and enforcement. “We are going to walk our talk. It doesn’t matter who is engaged in galamsey; whether they belong to NDC or NPP, as long as they are violating our environmental laws we will take action,” he stated.
Education
He also underscored the role of education in addressing environmental challenges. “We must prioritise education and raising awareness. The media and other stakeholders must help us in sensitising the public on the importance of environmental sustainability.”
The minister called for a mindset-hift, noting that “If we want different results, we must change our approach. Let’s work together to build a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Ghana”.
For his part, Chairman-Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), Trades Union Congress of the EPA, Godsway Lawson Daniels noted the commitment of EPA staff to collaborating with the ministry in tackling pressing environmental issues.
“Coming on board, we are hopeful that we are going to get the equipment and also the support from you in order to continue protecting the environment. The staff of EPA are ready to work with you. There are other environmental issues that we are battling with. We will help you understand,” he stated.
The minister will also visit other environmental agencies to bring him up to speed with sector operations.
