Newly appointed Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanettor Agyeman-Rawlings, has pledged to tackle illegal mining, climate change, pollution and other environmental challenges with “decisive action.”
In her first public message after assuming the portfolio on Monday, August 31, 2026, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said she considers the appointment a call to duty and stewardship rather than a position of privilege.
“I do not take this responsibility lightly. Public service is, first and foremost, a call to duty, sacrifice and stewardship,” she wrote.
She expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence placed in her through the appointment, saying she was honoured to serve in a portfolio she considers critical to Ghana’s development.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the country’s environmental challenges require collaboration and innovation, particularly in addressing illegal mining, waste management and pollution.
“The challenges before us are significant. Managing climate change, environmental degradation, illegal mining, waste management, pollution and the sustainable use of our natural resources require courage, innovation, collaboration and above all, decisive action,” she said.
Science and technology
Beyond environmental protection, Dr. Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings said she intends to push for stronger links between scientific research and practical development.
She believes research should move beyond academic institutions and translate into solutions that can create jobs, strengthen industries and improve sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.
“Our research must move beyond academia into practical partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society, communities and universities with a focus on creating jobs, strengthening industry, improving agriculture and healthcare, and building a more innovative and competitive economy,” she said.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also called for broader participation from scientists, researchers, innovators, environmentalists, businesses and communities in shaping the country’s development.
She said she would “listen,” “learn” and “engage” as she works with stakeholders to deliver on the mandate entrusted to her.
Environment as an inheritance
She further framed environmental protection as a responsibility to future generations, rather than simply an economic question.
“I see our environment not as a resource to exploit, but as an inheritance entrusted to our care,” she wrote.
She said her stewardship would extend to Ghana’s flora and fauna, water bodies, land, air and other natural resources.
“We are stewards with a duty to protect our flora and fauna, water bodies, land, air and natural resources, holding them in trust for this generation and for posterity,” she added.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said she enters the role with an “unwavering commitment to serve” and intends to work with Ghanaians to protect the country’s natural resources while responsibly unlocking their economic potential.
She also appealed to the public for prayers, ideas and support as she takes on the new assignment.
“My commitment is to approach this role with integrity, humility and purpose, remembering that the ultimate measure of public office is not the position we occupy, but the lives we touch and the difference we make,” she said.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings noted that her work at the ministry would be guided by the need to build a sustainable and innovative Ghana for future generations.
“This is bigger than any one individual. It is about the Ghana we leave behind, and I am ready to serve,” she wrote.
