The Vice President of the Republic, H.E. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku‑Agyemang, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation for national development during a working visit to the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI).
Received by Acting Minister Hon. Emmanuel Armah‑Kofi Buah, alongside the Chief Director, management, and agency heads, the Vice President was briefed on the Ministry’s oversight of key institutions including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), National Biosafety Authority, and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority. Together, these agencies drive scientific research, environmental protection, technological advancement, and sustainable resource management.
The Ministry outlined progress in implementing government’s environmental and industrial transformation agenda. Achievements include the Circular Economy Policy on plastics, the National Foundry and Machine Tools Project, promotion of green jobs and clean cooking technologies, advances in electronic waste management, climate‑smart agricultural research, strengthened environmental regulation, steps toward establishing a Ghana Space Agency, and Ghana’s leadership in international carbon market initiatives under the Paris Agreement.
Prof. Opoku‑Agyemang commended the Ministry’s efforts but stressed the importance of translating policy into measurable outcomes. Reflecting on recent flooding, she emphasized that enforcement of environmental laws must be complemented by sustained public education to encourage responsible behaviour. “Science is universal and affects every aspect of our national development. For that reason, public education is of the utmost importance,” she stated.
She also highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global emissions, urging Ghana to remain active in international climate negotiations and position itself to benefit from climate financing.
The Vice President further encouraged stronger collaboration between MESTI and other government sectors to boost local manufacturing, create jobs, enhance research commercialization, and support the broader industrialization agenda. She underscored the need to protect public lands from encroachment and strengthen environmental governance to safeguard national assets.
The Acting Minister, Hon. Buah, assured the Vice President of the Ministry’s continued dedication despite challenges such as funding constraints, shortages of scientific personnel, and ageing laboratory infrastructure.
The visit forms part of the Vice President’s ongoing tour of ministries to assess progress, provide guidance, and reinforce government’s commitment to effective governance and sustainable development.
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