Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has pledged to serve Ghana with integrity, humility and purpose following her appointment by President John Dramani Mahama.
In a Facebook post after her appointment, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings expressed appreciation to the President for the confidence placed in her, describing the opportunity to serve as a responsibility that demands commitment, sacrifice and stewardship.
“First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God, whose grace, guidance and providence have brought me this far.”
She also thanked President Mahama for entrusting her with the portfolio and giving her the opportunity to contribute to Ghana’s development.
“I am grateful to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, for the confidence reposed in me through my appointment as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.”
“I sincerely thank the President for his trust and for the opportunity to contribute to Ghana’s transformation in an area so critical to our national development.”
The Minister said she would not treat the responsibility lightly, stressing that public office requires a strong sense of duty and accountability.
“I do not take this responsibility lightly. Public service is, first and foremost, a call to duty, sacrifice and stewardship.”
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings further highlighted the importance of science, technology and innovation in driving Ghana’s economic transformation. She said her focus would include job creation, industrial development, agriculture and healthcare.
“Science, technology and innovation can unlock a new chapter in Ghana’s development. 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.”
On environmental protection, she identified climate change, illegal mining, pollution, poor waste management and the degradation of natural resources as major challenges requiring urgent attention.
“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 emphasised the need to protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations, describing the environment as a national inheritance that must be responsibly managed.
“I see our environment not as a resource to exploit, but as an inheritance entrusted to our care. 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.”
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings pledged to collaborate with scientists, researchers, innovators, environmentalists, institutions, businesses and communities to advance Ghana’s environmental and technological priorities.
“I am a steward of what His Excellency has entrusted to me. I will listen. I will learn and I will engage, working with the many talented Ghanaians who believe in our country’s potential, our scientists, researchers, innovators, environmentalists, institutions, businesses and communities.”
“Together, we are stewards of what has been entrusted to us, and I will work with others to protect what we have, unlock its potential responsibly, and leave a stronger, more sustainable Ghana for generations to come.”
The Minister said her performance in office would ultimately be judged by the difference she makes in the lives of Ghanaians rather than by the position she occupies.
“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 therefore appealed to Ghanaians to support her with their prayers, ideas and partnership as she takes on the new responsibility.
“To the people of Ghana: I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you. I ask for your prayers, support, ideas and partnership as we work together to protect our environment, advance science, harness technology and build a more sustainable, innovative and prosperous Ghana.”
Concluding her message, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stressed that the responsibility of building a better Ghana goes beyond any single person and should focus on the legacy left 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 ended with a prayer for Ghana and its people:
“God bless our Motherland.
“God bless the people of Ghana.
“May our work today create a better tomorrow for generations to come.”
By: Prince Martey-Sogar