Sherry Ayittey Receives International Award

........ FOR ENVIRONMENT

Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Madam Sherry Ayittey has received an international environment award for her commitment to achieving sustainable environmental management in Ghana and Africa.
Her recognition comes with the Environmental Leadership Award bestowed on her during the Africa-Indian partnership summit held in Mauritius on 12th December, 2012.
The award recognises her leadership role in spearheading for clean environment, advancing science and innovation in Ghana and Africa and building resilient climate change programmes.
Sherry Ayittey played a key role in Africa’s decision to adopt a common position to speak with one voice during the 2011United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa. She has also collaborated with her South African counterpart to advance environmental issues leading to the signing of the science and technology agreement at a ministerial meeting in Accra.
Since assuming office, Madam Sherry Ayittey, through various technological interventions has helped departments and agencies under her ministry to implement and achieve sustainable environmental programmes.
The Minister has also been instrumental in advancing the better Ghana ICT concept of the NDC government, through various interventions such as Science and mathematics Scholarship Programme, establishing the Science and Technology Innovation (STI) Fund, distribution of free laptops to enhance teaching and learning, establishment of the first Space Centre in Ghana, first cleaner production centre, converting waste material to cash among several others.
The STI fund is expected to provide funding for the implementation of science and technology programs and projects, support basic and applied research and promote the commercialisation of research output in the Country.
During the launch of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Fund and the inauguration of the STI Fund Board, Madam Ayittey said the event marked a giant step, not only in setting up a fund for science and technology, but for innovation and development.
“It is important to invest our resources in creating conditions for a strong knowledge society; this is achieved by financing science, technology and innovation development,” she added
The first science congress was organized through her effort to offer opportunities to scientist to exhibit their talents in science, technology and innovations.
The Africa Watch magazine, an internationally renowned magazine that assess the performance of politicians credited her with a B+ grading for her hard work despite the fact that she is not a member of parliament
Receiving the award, Madam Ayittey thanked the organisers for giving her the opportunity to set a good example for the youth who are the future leaders to mentor on how to sustain the environment and the bio-diversity of the world at large.
She said the future depends on how sustainable the environment is managed to continue creating the harmony necessary for human survivor.
Other African Ministers who received awards include the Minister of Education of Botswana, Hon. Mrs. Pelonomi Venson –Moiti, and the Minister of Tourism of Zimbabwe Hon. Walter Mzembi.