During his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Minister of State Designate, Hon. Murtala Muhammed has addressed key national issues, including solid waste management and industrial regulation.
His responses highlighted a commitment to inter-ministerial collaboration, regulatory enforcement, and innovative policy approaches.
When asked about how he plans to tackle waste management, he pointed out that waste management falls under the local government’s jurisdiction, however, he emphasized;
“The environmental and solid waste disposal issue is not only the responsibility of the state. It is also the responsibility of the citizenry.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed Minister of State Designate
He argued that public sensitization and education are crucial in ensuring that citizens take an active role in keeping their environment clean. He emphasized the need for multiple ministries to work together, including the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Works and Housing. He questioned;
“Does the state need to come in to provide two separate dustbins for every household so that solid waste is put here and liquid waste is put there? These are things that we all need to think through.”
“With the support of certain individuals and entities, we can find a solution to this. And this is what I will do.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed Minister of State Designate
Moreover, another key topic during the vetting was the regulation of local industries, particularly about foreign competition and job creation. He acknowledged;
“If it will take legal action to ensure that people conduct their businesses in accordance with the law, I will do it regardless of who will be affected.”
“I will engage industry players. If you give me the opportunity to serve the people of this country, I would have interactions not just with agencies but with business players within the environmental space.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed Minister of State Designate
Hon. Murtala also pointed out that industrial regulation is a multi-faceted issue requiring the involvement of several ministries, including Trade and Industry, Finance, and Justice. He stressed the need for a coordinated approach to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. He assured;
“With such interactions and engagement, we can all find solutions to it. And that is what I will do in this first instance to find a permanent solution to some of these problems.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed Minister of State Designate
Climate Change and the Paris Agreement
Moving forward, Hon. Murtala Muhammed addressed concerns about Ghana’s environmental sustainability, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. He noted that this decision had global implications, including funding challenges for climate-related projects in Ghana. He acknowledged that the withdrawal could result in the loss of financial support for Ghana’s environmental initiatives. However, he expressed optimism that diplomatic engagements could help secure alternative funding. He prayed;
“We have to engage with the U.S. government to see how we can maintain such funding sources, hoping that President Donald Trump may change his mind. And hoping and praying that he does.”
“If he changes his mind, that’ll be good for the entire global community. But if he doesn’t, we must find an innovative way of ensuring that such financial support continues.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed Minister of State Designate
Hon. Murtala also pointed to the effects of climate change, noting erratic weather patterns in Ghana, including unexpected rainfall in November and December, as evidence that climate change is real. He assured the committee of his dedication to addressing climate challenges and implementing policies that promote sustainability.
Hon. Murtala Muhammed’s vetting showcased his commitment to tackling environmental and industrial challenges through collaboration, legal enforcement, and policy innovation. His approach emphasized multi-stakeholder engagement and proactive governance to ensure sustainable development in Ghana.
His assurance to work with relevant ministries and stakeholders highlights a holistic approach to governance, aimed at addressing key national concerns effectively.
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