Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, outlining a comprehensive agenda focused on inter-ministerial coordination, environmental enforcement, and addressing the exodus of Ghanaian scientists.
The vetting session, which was originally scheduled for August 25 before being rescheduled, forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s recent cabinet reshuffle announced on August 7 . Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle since 2017 and eldest daughter of former President Jerry John Rawlings, is poised to succeed the late Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed .
Galamsey: A Call for All-of-Government Coordination
On the issue of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings described the fight as an “all-of-government and all-of-society imperative” . She argued that the most effective approach lies in breaking down institutional silos and fostering collaboration among ministries, departments, and agencies.
Highlighting that illegal mining activities occur within local governance spaces, she emphasised the role of decentralised institutions in addressing the menace . Her proposed approach involves convening ministers with a direct stake in the fight, particularly those overseeing Lands and Local Government, to ensure a unified strategy and avoid duplication of effort .
“Should I get the approval from this Committee and the House, I would want to sit with the relevant ministers of the various ministries that have an interest in the fight, which would range from the Lands as well as the Local Government, to ensure that we are all on the same page, to avoid the silo effect,” she stated .
She also stressed the importance of regular reporting and monitoring to track the impact of interventions and improve transparency .
Styrofoam Ban: Timeline Must Be Maintained
Turning to the impending ban on polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam or takeaway packs, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings gave her firm backing to the January 1, 2027 deadline for the ban on their production, importation, distribution, sale, and use . She asserted that the environmental dangers posed by the widespread use and improper disposal of polystyrene can no longer be overlooked .
To illustrate the behavioural shift that has occurred, she recounted: “I remember as children, when you wanted to go for Auntie Naa’s rice, you took your own pot to go and buy the rice, and I am not sure at which point putting plastic within plastic became the norm, and I think it comes down to a change in behaviour” .
She acknowledged that changing public behaviour would take time but argued it could be influenced through a combination of incentives and penalties . She urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue its public education efforts, noting a recent awareness campaign in Kumasi .
“I stand by the fact that the ban timeline has to be maintained,” she affirmed, adding that the policy’s success hinges on enforcement and the seriousness with which authorities implement it .
Stemming the Tide of Scientific Brain Drain
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings raised serious concerns about the state of Ghana’s scientific institutions, warning that the country is experiencing a “serious brain drain” that extends beyond the agencies of her ministry . She highlighted the high attrition rate among personnel at institutions such as the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) .
To reverse this trend, she outlined three key priorities:
· Improving Conditions of Service: She stated that the government must look at how to improve the conditions of service for scientists .
· Resourcing Institutions: She stressed the need to equip agencies, directorates, and units with the necessary equipment and financial support to engage in meaningful research .
· Providing Career Progression: She called for “predictable career trajectories” to give scientists greater certainty about their professional future .
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings acknowledged that this is not a problem she can solve alone and pledged to engage with scientists who remain in Ghana to understand their specific challenges and arrive at win-win solutions for both the country and the scientific community .
Background
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, born on June 1, 1978, is a medical doctor and politician who has represented the Klottey-Korle Constituency in Parliament since 2017 . She brings relevant experience to the role, having served on Parliament’s Environment, Science and Technology Committee . Her background includes humanitarian work and advocacy for sanitation and environmental issues. The vetting is part of Parliament’s constitutional process for scrutinising presidential nominees, with the Appointments Committee expected to submit its report to the House for consideration .
