Murtala Mohammed, the Minister-Designate for Environment, Science, and Technology, has emphasised the importance of collaboration between ministries and agencies to effectively address Ghana’s growing environmental challenges.
During his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 30, he stressed that tackling issues such as noise pollution requires a coordinated approach involving multiple government institutions, traditional authorities, and local governance structures.
Using noise pollution as an example, Murtala Mohammed argued that while it may appear to be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MESTI), an effective regulatory framework demands input from other key stakeholders.
“Ministries and agencies are not supposed to be working in isolation,” he asserted. “To regulate noise pollution, for example, you cannot do that without engaging the traditional authorities and local government agencies. Chieftaincy and local governance will play a crucial role in implementing and enforcing policies.”
Murtala Mohammed assured Parliament that, if approved, he would spearhead consultations with various ministries and agencies to establish a unified policy approach. His goal is to ensure that environmental policies are well-coordinated and effectively enforced across different sectors.
“What I will do is deepen the collaboration between ministries and agencies to ensure that we develop policies that not only address the issues but also consider all stakeholders involved,” he noted.
Beyond noise pollution, Murtala Mohammed’s emphasis on collaboration extends to broader environmental concerns, including waste management, deforestation, pollution control, and climate change mitigation.
He believes that by fostering inter-agency cooperation, Ghana can develop and implement more effective and sustainable environmental policies.
His remarks signal a commitment to a holistic and inclusive approach to environmental governance, positioning Ghana to better manage its environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development.
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