Ministry holds first national environmental wards night

Accra, May 9, GNA - Professor Kasim Kasanga, Minister of Environment and Science on Saturday said the success of educating Ghanaians to take up the challenge to protect the environment for sustainable development depends largely on the media. He said majority of Ghanaians were not aware of the need to protect the environment and that the role of the media to educate, inform and provide a guide for the citizenry on environmental issues remained crucial.
It is therefore necessary for media practitioners to be encouraged and recognised, he said at the first National Environmental Awards Night in Accra, where some journalists, individuals and organisations were honoured for their contribution towards environmental protection. Prof Kasanga described journalists who report on environment as "real patriots" who deserved recognition.
"It is reassuring to note that certain journalists and media practitioners have decided to concentrate on environmental issues as against the titillating fields of politics, sports, recreation and the economy."
Mr Edward Nsenkyire, Chief Director, Ministry of Environment and Science, said it was important the media and other stakeholders were motivated to pay attention to the sustainable management of the environment, "short of that, the socio-economic development of our nation will be hampered."
He said no amount of technological advancement and innovation could overcome the plastic waste menace, until individuals changed their attitude and behaviour in the disposal of plastic waste materials. Mr Nsenkyire said the expected change in behaviour could be achieved through sustainable education and awareness creation, "which cannot be carried out without the media."
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, asked journalists, individuals and organisations to be courageous in their quest to protect the environment, saying, "if companies are polluting the environment we should have a say about it." He said the rule of nature enjoined on people to treat the environment as a sacred object to enable it to be protected and preserved for the future generation.
The overall best environmental journalist award went to Ama Kudom Agyemang of GBC Radio. She received a 21-inches colour Television, three million cedis cash and a certificate of recognition.
Other award winners were Mrs Dzifa Azumah of the Ghana News Agency, Mr Opoku Agyemang, a freelance journalist, Mr Sylvanus Nana Kumi, formerly of Ghanaian Times, Ms Joyce Gyekye of GBC Radio, Colonel Kofi Abaka Jackson, a scientist and Green Earth Organisation, a non governmental organisation.