Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Ghana’s new Environment Minister, is calling for an audit of the Green Ghana Day initiative, questioning the effective tracking of trees planted. He highlights severe pollution in water bodies and the need for funding innovative solutions against environmental degradation. Murtala outlines strategies like carbon trading, promoting electric vehicles, and a youth tree planting initiative to combat climate challenges and restore ecosystems.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, Ghana’s new Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, is scrutinizing the Green Ghana Day initiative. Millions of cedis were invested in tree planting, yet there are doubts about the program’s effectiveness and the tracking of planted trees. Murtala Mohammed has called for an audit to ensure accountability for the funds used, indicating that oversight should have been under his ministry’s purview since it specializes in environmental projects.
During a recent visit to Takoradi, the minister observed severe pollution in Ghana’s water bodies, raising alarm among citizens and environmental advocates. Requests have come to the ministry for urgent action to remediate the pollution from illegal mining activities, which have significantly harmed the country’s rivers and lakes. Dr. Murtala stated that while solutions are being sought, securing funding for these initiatives poses a substantial challenge.
Funding largely relies on international assistance, with the minister asserting that innovative solutions are necessary, especially given the financial constraints resulting from rising interest rates and a fluctuating currency. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology remains hopeful, pursuing strategies such as carbon trading and promoting electric vehicles (EVs) to mitigate climate change and reduce emissions.
Plans are underway for a national network of EV charging stations to support this initiative. Notably, the shift to electric mobility is advancing with the introduction of e-bikes for motorcycle taxi operators, or Okada riders. Alongside this, there is a new campaign titled “Every Child Per Tree,” aimed at involving youth in tree planting to combat deforestation.
The government is concentrating efforts on greening arid regions, particularly the Northern Belt, which urgently requires tree planting to address desertification. With community involvement and international collaboration, the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology envisions a cleaner and greener Ghana.
In summary, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed’s leadership in the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology is marked by critical assessments of initiatives like Green Ghana Day and a strong commitment to tackling environmental degradation. The minister emphasizes the importance of funding avenues for major projects and introduces innovative strategies, including youth engagement in tree planting and the promotion of electric mobility, to combat climate change and restore ecosystems. Collaboration with local communities and international partners is crucial for achieving these environmental goals.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
