Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, is scrutinizing the Green Ghana Day initiative, advocating for an audit of its investments. He expressed concerns about water pollution and supports various projects targeting environmental restoration funded through innovative financing. The Ministry is optimistic about strategies including electric vehicles and youth engagement in tree planting, aiming for a sustainable and greener Ghana.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the newly appointed Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, is examining Ghana’s environmental challenges, particularly regarding the Green Ghana Day initiative. This program involved substantial financial investment for tree planting across the nation. Dr. Murtala has raised concerns about the program’s efficacy, particularly regarding tree tracking, and has called for an audit of the funds allocated.
The Green Ghana Day initiative was originally spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; however, Dr. Murtala indicated that overseeing such projects would be more fitting for his ministry, which possesses the necessary expertise in environmental management. Furthermore, during a recent visit to Takoradi, he highlighted ongoing issues of water pollution in Ghana, which have escalated to troubling levels, prompting citizens and environmentalists to demand action for remediation.
Dr. Murtala noted that the ministry is prioritizing solutions, such as restoring land affected by illegal mining activities. Despite the pressing need for intervention, financial backing remains a significant hurdle, primarily reliant on international partners. He stressed the importance of innovating financing methods for essential environmental projects, especially amidst a challenging economic environment characterized by high interest rates and an unstable currency inherited from previous governance.
In light of these hurdles, the Minister remains optimistic about the Ministry’s progress. He highlighted plans for carbon trading and the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure as pivotal strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ghana is set to establish a network of EV charging stations, which represents a crucial measure in combating climate change. Additionally, e-bikes will soon be introduced to Okada riders, facilitating a move towards greener transportation options.
Moreover, a new initiative dubbed the “Every Child Per Tree” campaign has been introduced, aimed at engaging Ghana’s youth in tree-planting activities. This program is part of a comprehensive strategy to counteract deforestation and enhance the nation’s green cover. Dr. Murtala has emphasized the government’s commitment to greening Ghana, particularly in arid regions such as the Northern Belt, which demand extensive tree planting ventures to mitigate desertification. The Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology is confident that, through collaborations with local communities and international entities, a greener and cleaner Ghana can be achieved.
In conclusion, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed’s leadership focuses on addressing Ghana’s environmental issues through a thorough examination of existing initiatives like Green Ghana Day, advocating for necessary audits, and promoting innovative solutions to fund crucial environmental projects. His vision for a greener Ghana encompasses the promotion of electric vehicles, initiatives aimed at youth engagement in tree planting, and a commitment to restoring damaged ecosystems in vulnerable regions. With local and international support, the ministry aims for sustainable improvements in Ghana’s environmental landscape.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
