Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, Ghana’s new Environment Minister, scrutinizes the Green Ghana Day initiative while calling for an audit of the program’s expenditure. He identifies alarming pollution in water bodies and emphasizes improving land cover affected by illegal mining. Innovations like carbon trading, electric vehicles, and the “Every Child Per Tree” campaign illustrate the government’s commitment to sustainability, aiming for a greener Ghana through community collaboration.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, the newly appointed Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, is scrutinizing Ghana’s environmental issues, particularly the Green Ghana Day initiative, which involved substantial financial investment. In an interview with Maltiti Sayida Sadick on the GTV Breakfast Show, Dr. Murtala expressed concerns regarding the program’s effectiveness and emphasized the need for an audit to ensure accountability for the millions expended. He suggested that the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology should have led this initiative, given its expertise in environmental management.
During a recent visit to Takoradi, the Minister highlighted the alarming pollution levels of Ghana’s water bodies. This has raised significant concerns among both citizens and environmental advocates, prompting requests for remediation efforts from the Ministry. Dr. Murtala indicated that the Ministry is now focused on solutions, particularly restoring land cover compromised by illegal mining, or ‘galamsey.’ He acknowledged that securing funding for these initiatives is challenging, as the Ministry heavily relies on international partners. He urged for innovative financing methods, particularly amid Ghana’s difficult financial conditions, characterized by rising interest rates and an unstable dollar left by previous administrations.
Despite the existing hurdles, the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology is optimistic about future endeavors. The Minister pointed out that strategies such as carbon trading and the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) figure prominently in the agenda to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Plans are underway to establish a comprehensive network of EV charging stations as part of Ghana’s commitment to reducing harmful emissions. The movement toward electric mobility is gaining momentum, exemplified by the forthcoming availability of e-bikes for Okada riders, or motorcycle taxis.
Additionally, the government has initiated the “Every Child Per Tree” campaign, designed to engage children in tree planting activities. This initiative harnesses the competitive spirit of the youth and aims to tackle deforestation while enhancing the nation’s greenery. The Minister emphasized the urgent need for expansive tree planting, especially in arid regions such as the Northern Belt of Ghana, to effectively combat desertification. Through collaboration with local communities and international partners, the Ministry envisions achieving a greener and cleaner Ghana soon.
In summary, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala is addressing key environmental challenges in Ghana, particularly evaluating the Green Ghana Day initiative while advocating for a thorough audit. He is focused on restoring polluted water bodies and increasing tree cover across the nation. The Ministry is also promoting innovative solutions such as carbon trading and electric vehicles to combat climate change. Collaborative efforts with local and international partners are essential to achieving sustainable environmental goals in Ghana.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
