Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has officially assumed office as the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology following a handing-over ceremony held at the ministry on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who formally handed over the ministry to Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, expressed confidence in her ability to lead the sector, citing her longstanding advocacy for environmental and scientific issues.

“She has been a strong advocate on issues of environment and science. She’s a medical doctor herself and I’ve seen her on the floor of Parliament with so many deep statements that really hover on the issues of environment, science and technology. And so, I have no doubt in my mind that this is where she belongs,” he said.

Buah said the ministry had made significant progress during his period in charge, including the revocation of LI 2462, which permitted mining in forest reserves, and the passage of six legislative instruments to give effect to the new Environmental Protection Agency Act.

He also cited the establishment of 15 new district offices of the Environmental Protection Agency as part of efforts to make environmental services more accessible to Ghanaians.

For her part, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings thanked President John Dramani Mahama for entrusting her with the responsibility and commended Buah for his stewardship of the ministry.

Dr Zanetor meets Armah-Buah ahead of assumption of office

She said she would work closely with the ministry’s chief director, directors and staff to advance its mandate.

“Science, technology and innovation are meant to work hand in hand as we look towards our development. It must not be at the expense of our environment,” she said.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stressed the need for collaboration between government and citizens to protect the environment, noting that climate change and environmental degradation had become major global challenges.

She assured staff that she would lead the ministry as a team and would not favour particular individuals in the discharge of her duties.

“My job here is to make sure that we work together, that we achieve our objectives,” she indicated.

The ceremony, attended by directors, staff and officials of the ministry, also featured a moment of silence in honour of the late Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Murtala, the former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.

Watch the video below

Lands Minister officially hands over Environment Ministry to Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings



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