Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed Advocates for Accountability and Greening Initiatives in Ghana

Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, is scrutinizing the Green Ghana Day initiative, advocating for an audit to assess its effectiveness. He underscores the urgent need to tackle water pollution from illegal mining and explore innovative funding methods for environmental projects. The ministry is promoting electric vehicles and youth engagement in tree planting as part of a holistic approach to greening Ghana.

Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, the newly appointed Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, is assessing Ghana’s environmental challenges with a particular focus on the Green Ghana Day initiative, which invested millions of cedis in tree planting across the nation. He expressed concerns regarding the program’s effectiveness, particularly the tracking of the planted trees, and is calling for a comprehensive audit to ensure accountability for the invested funds.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources originally led the initiative, but Dr. Murtala Mohammed asserted that the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology is better equipped to manage such environmental projects due to its expertise. In addition, he highlighted the alarming levels of pollution affecting Ghana’s water bodies, exacerbated by illegal mining practices, commonly known as galamsey. He noted that citizens have reached out for intervention to restore the polluted rivers and lakes.

While the ministry is focusing on restoring land cover damaged by these activities, funding remains a significant hurdle. Dr. Murtala Mohammed indicated that much of the financing for these initiatives comes from international partners. He stressed the importance of finding innovative funding solutions, particularly given the challenging financial environment characterized by rising interest rates and a fluctuating currency resulting from the previous administration.

Despite these obstacles, the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology remains optimistic about the future. The minister highlighted carbon trading and the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) as essential strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Plans are underway to establish a network of EV charging ports as part of a long-term commitment to reducing harmful emissions.

Additionally, the government is launching the “Every Child Per Tree” campaign, designed to engage Ghana’s youth in tree planting initiatives. This campaign is part of a broader strategy to combat deforestation and increase the country’s green cover.

To address environmental challenges holistically, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to greening initiatives, especially in the Northern Belt of Ghana, which is prone to desertification. With collaboration from local communities and international partners, the Ministry envisions a greener and cleaner future for Ghana.

The Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, is advocating for accountability in the Green Ghana Day initiative, highlighting the need for an audit of the significant funds invested. Addressing the pressing issue of water pollution and the impact of illegal mining, he calls for innovative funding solutions. The Ministry is also focusing on strategies such as electric vehicles and youth engagement through tree planting campaigns to create a sustainable and environmentally responsible Ghana.

Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com