The Ghanaian's well being should always be protected-Minister

Ms Sherry Ayittey, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, on Tuesday said the well-being of the individual should not be compromised in the pursuit of the national agenda.

"It is in our interest as a government and as a people, to pursue the national cause that benefits the people and not in the least sacrifice their welfare."

Ms Ayittey made the observation at the launching of Social Watch Report 2012 on Sustainable Development in Accra.

It was on the theme: "Sustainable Development-The Right To A Future."

She said while national development was of utmost importance, it was most crucial to ensure that present, as well as future generations did not suffer any dire consequences in the nation's quest to pursue a development agenda.

"One of the most urgent tasks of the present generation is to ensure that future generations, are not deprived of valuable resources, as a result of irresponsible exploitation of those resources. There is the need to safeguard natural environment with diversity of life."

On activities of Civil Society Organisations (CSO), Ms Ayittey said these organisations served as a watch-dog in society to remind government about their commitment to the people, and government was highly appreciative of their role.

However, she said the CSOs have to educate the population on issues of human rights abuse involving outmoded cultural practices, spousal and child abuse.

Ms Ayittey said many people were ignorant about basic national issues, such as the current biometric voter registration, and that CSOs could be of immense help to the national cause, if they involved themselves in the education of people in such endeavours.

Dr Rose Mensah-Kutin, Programme Director of ABANTU for Development, said the report, which was basically about how natural resources had been used globally in a manner that benefited both present and future generations, reflected that generally, nations were not using their resources to the benefit of their people.

"Even where there has been economic growth, poor people have not gained. Those who gain from economic growth do not necessarily have poor people in mind," she said.

Dr Mensah-Kutin said while the natural environment was becoming a major site for investment from all over the world, in mining, there was lack of interest in the environment and well-being of those whose livelihoods were affected as a result.

She said, "There is the need for an economic paradigm shift, towards ensuring that the rights of citizens are secured, instead of focusing too much on investors".

Dr Mensah-Kutin said: "Unless we all agree to commit to equity and equality, we cannot have a national goal".**