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Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister -designate of the Environment, Science, and Technology designate, has outlined an ambitious plan to conduct a national audit on environmental degradation once confirmed in office. This audit, he explained, will assess the extent of environmental destruction caused by activities such as illegal mining, deforestation, and other harmful practices.

The proposed audit aims to quantify the level of damage to lands and ecosystems, providing a clear picture of the environmental challenges that need urgent attention. “The national audit will give us concrete data to understand the full extent of the damage,” said Mr. Muhammed. “This will help us formulate targeted actions to restore and protect our environment.”

Collaboration for Land Restoration and Environmental Education

The minister designate also revealed his intention to work closely with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to address the land degradation caused by human activities. As part of his broader environmental agenda, he plans to introduce an innovative policy aimed at involving every child in tree planting efforts. This initiative, known as the “Every Child Per Tree” policy, is designed to foster environmental stewardship among the youth and ensure long-term protection for the nation’s forests.

In addition, Mr. Muhammed emphasized the need for a nationwide education campaign to improve awareness of environmental conservation practices. He expressed his commitment to working with education stakeholders to integrate environmental sustainability into school curriculums, thus building a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens.

Policy Changes and Legal Advocacy

On the legal front, the minister designate proposed the establishment of a fast-track court to address environmental issues and expedite land litigation cases. This would help ensure swift justice in matters concerning land encroachment, illegal mining, and environmental violations.

Additionally, Mr. Muhammed pledged to advocate for increased budgetary support for research institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He is committed to pushing for more funding to enable these institutions to undertake vital research that will inform policies and practices to protect the environment.

“I will also work to facilitate partnerships with the private sector to commercialize research outputs and generate sustainable funding for research initiatives,” he noted.

Stronger Environmental Monitoring and Collaboration

As part of his agenda, the minister designate plans to strengthen the EPA’s role in monitoring and regulating environmental activities, especially in the mining sector. He emphasized that no mining operation should proceed without the necessary EPA permits, which he views as critical to ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

Mr. Muhammed stressed the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration in tackling illegal mining and other environmental challenges. He plans to work closely with various ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior, to ensure that land encroachment and illegal mining activities are effectively addressed.

Waste Management and Noise Pollution

Mr. Muhammed highlighted waste segregation as a fundamental aspect of effective environmental management. He pointed out that advanced economies have had success with waste separation starting at the household level, which improves efficiency in waste disposal. He intends to introduce policies that will educate the public on proper waste disposal practices, alongside government intervention in providing appropriate waste bins for households.

On plastic waste management, he cautioned against a blanket ban on plastic materials without first identifying practical alternatives. “Before implementing such a ban, a comprehensive feasibility study is essential to assess the socio-economic impacts and to explore sustainable alternatives,” he explained. He also called for government support for local industries to invest in biodegradable materials as part of a broader strategy for plastic waste management.

Addressing noise pollution, the minister designate proposed working closely with local authorities and traditional leaders to develop more effective noise control regulations. He also suggested that the EPA law be reviewed to incorporate measures for regulating noise pollution.

Picture Credit : Parliament of Ghana