Newly sworn-in Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has pledged to push Ghana towards a development model in which scientific research and technological innovation translate directly into jobs, industrial growth and improved public services.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, who assumed office after President John Dramani Mahama swore her in on August 29, 2026, said her immediate focus would be on forging stronger partnerships among government, researchers, universities, businesses, civil society and communities to turn scientific knowledge into practical solutions.
She said Ghana’s research ecosystem must move beyond academia and become a driver of economic transformation, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, industry and employment creation.
The Minister also identified climate change, environmental degradation, illegal mining, waste management, pollution and the sustainable management of Ghana’s natural resources as major challenges requiring decisive action.
“Our environment,” she said, “is not a resource to exploit,” but an inheritance entrusted to the present generation to protect for posterity.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said she would work with scientists, researchers, innovators, environmentalists, institutions, businesses and communities to protect the country’s forests, water bodies, land and air while responsibly unlocking their economic potential.
Her emphasis on the commercialisation of research aligns with issues she raised during her parliamentary vetting, where she called for stronger links between research institutions, industry and government and improved support for scientists and researchers.
She also stressed that public office must be approached as a responsibility rather than a privilege, pledging to serve with integrity, humility and purpose.
A doctor with security and parliamentary experience
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings brings an unusual combination of medical, security, peace and parliamentary experience to the environment and science portfolio.
She trained as a medical doctor at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, completing her medical qualification in 2003, and practised medicine in Ireland and Ghana before entering public service.
She later obtained an Executive Master’s in Conflict, Peace and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), alongside professional training in defence management, conflict and crisis management, women, peace and security, political advising in peace-support operations, counter-terrorism and counter-improvised explosive devices.
Her parliamentary career spans three consecutive terms as Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, beginning in 2017. She has served on several committees, including Environment, Science and Technology, Defence and Interior, Gender and Children and Security and Intelligence, which she currently chairs.
Beyond Parliament, she was elected Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament Bureau in April 2026, representing the West African region.
Her previous work has also included environmental and community initiatives. She has participated in health, sanitation and food-safety campaigns and has been involved in innovation around disaster and early-warning systems and carbon-reduction initiatives.
With the ministry responsible for environmental governance, scientific research, technology policy and the coordination of research institutions, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings enters the portfolio at a time when illegal mining, pollution, climate resilience and the practical application of scientific research remain major national concerns.
She said she would approach the assignment as a steward of the responsibility entrusted to her and called for ideas, support and partnership from Ghanaians.
“This is bigger than any one individual,” she said, stressing that the ultimate test of public office should be the lives improved and the difference made rather than the position occupied.
She pledged to work towards a more sustainable, innovative and prosperous Ghana for current and future generations.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
