The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation has reiterated government’s commitment in improving upon the quality of the environment by putting in place measures to ensure water bodies and soils are not contaminated with any form of chemicals.
To achieve this, Deputy Minister, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, at a workshop organized by the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land use (WASCAL) in Accra, stated that the importation of plastic products into the country will be monitored strictly.
The Minister also stated that the fight against climate change mainly credited to man-made activities is progressively becoming more intense as a result of its unceasing hostile impact on people’s source of livelihood and survival.
She further mentioned that Government has taken deep interest in protecting the environment so badly destroyed by the activities of man particularly water bodies which have been polluted especially by “galamsey” activities.
“I am glad that one of the foremost documents that the president of the
Republic of Ghana signed upon assuming office was the host of agreement between the government of Ghana and WASCAL,” she said.
She also expressed her contentment at the full diplomatic status with accompanying privileges granted WASCAL by the Government of Ghana.
According to a research conducted by WASCAL, thirty-six percent of rivers in Ghana are polluted notwithstanding plastic waste displacement and “galamsey” operations.
Formed by ten countries from the West African sub-region, WASCAL has guaranteed its firm sustenance for a market-driven research and the promotion of science, technology and innovation through awareness creation, collaboration and partnerships.
However, WASCAL presents full scholarship awards to Ghanaian students and other West African students every year to pursue various courses in climate change at the Masters and Doctorate level.
Two hundred West African graduates have currently been trained through the 60-million-dollar funded program.
