The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has held a series of engagements with eight stakeholder groups to explore collaboration on environmental protection, plastic waste management, science, technology and innovation, and sustainable natural resource management.
The meetings, held on Thursday, 15th October 2026, provided a platform for stakeholders from diplomacy, business, research, industry and community groups to share proposals and discuss how they could support the Ministry’s environmental priorities. The discussions reflected the importance of bringing together public institutions, private-sector actors, researchers and communities to develop practical responses to environmental concerns.
The Czech Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Pavel Bílek, discussed potential cooperation in water treatment, science, technology and innovation, reforestation, training and equipment support. The engagement also touched on opportunities to encourage young women to pursue science through scholarships and promote tree planting under the “One Child per Tree” concept.
In a separate meeting, Bel Acqua discussed collaboration on recycling policy and waste management. The Minister proposed stakeholder engagement to allow relevant parties to exchange views on the proposed ban on Styrofoam products and consider approaches that support effective waste management.
The Managing Director of YES PAC West Africa Ltd., Mr Mohamed Taher, congratulated the Minister and outlined the company’s interest in facilitating student visits to Egypt to learn about technology and innovation. The proposed initiative aims to strengthen links between academia and industry. Dr. Zanetor suggested including researchers and scientists under the Ministry to broaden the initiative’s benefits, and invited the delegation to the CSIR Fair at Efua Sutherland Children’s Park to experience local research and innovations.
The Minister also met a delegation from the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) at Ashesi University, led by Pearl Esau-Mensah. Discussions covered climate change, turning innovative ideas into sustainable businesses, using human waste to produce methane, and creating green jobs. The engagement explored opportunities to advance climate-friendly technologies and green entrepreneurship.
A delegation from the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) also paid a courtesy call to congratulate the Minister and discuss possible technical and research collaboration. Key issues included plastic waste, the proposed Styrofoam ban, illegal mining and Ghana’s carbon market.
Representatives of Polytank Ghana Ltd. and the Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances (CEHA) Alliance Ghana sought the Minister’s guidance on how their industries could contribute to reducing plastic waste. Dr. Zanetor reiterated the need for a stakeholder engagement and open dialogue to support broader consultation on policies that work for businesses and the country.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines discussed potential cooperation on plastic waste, illegal mining, water security, environmental monitoring, mine rehabilitation and sustainable land use. The Chamber also explored collaboration with agencies under the Ministry and invited the Minister to the Ghana Mining Industry Awards on 12th November 2026.
Rounding off the engagements, the Minister met the BUZ Stop Boys, who expressed appreciation for the opportunity and pledged support for her environmental policies, particularly efforts towards the proposed ban on Styrofoam products.
The engagements underscored the Ministry’s commitment to building partnerships across sectors and encouraging inclusive dialogue to develop practical solutions to Ghana’s environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Continued cooperation with industry, research institutions and community stakeholders will be important in shaping policies that are informed by technical knowledge, practical experience and the needs of affected groups.
