‎The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has pledged the ministry’s support for agencies under her supervision, saying efforts will be made to address their requests within available resources.‎

‎She gave the assurance during a working visit to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) following visits to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), the National Biosafety Authority and some institutes under GAEC.‎

‎Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the tour was part of efforts to familiarise herself with the agencies, assess their achievements and challenges, and strengthen collaboration between the ministry and the institutions.‎

‎She said: “It's important that we acquaint ourselves with each other, not just on paper but in person and also to see what some of the achievements and challenges are in the various agencies.”‎

‎The minister expressed confidence in the human capacity and commitment of personnel working in the agencies, particularly scientists contributing to national development.‎

‎“I think there's no doubt in my mind that we have the necessary human capacity, at least for now, and that we can add to but the level of commitment is without question,” she added.‎

‎She assured the agencies that the ministry would work to address their requests, saying “I believe that to be able to encourage our scientists and other personnel who are doing their very best in the service of this country, the ministry will do what it can to ensure that the provision is made for the various requests that have been made by the various agencies within, of within the envelope that is available to us”.‎

‎She added that supporting the agencies was important to helping Ghana prepare for changes in science, technology and the environment.‎

‎The minister also called for improved public education on scientific issues, stressing that technical language should not prevent citizens from understanding the work of the institutions responsible for their safety.‎

“We hope that in so doing we can as a country not just prepare adequately for the changing landscape as far as science, technology and environment are concerned but make sure that we're mainstreaming information to the public so that we're not, we don't have the level of scientific jargon that is so difficult that the public cannot appreciate the role that some of the agencies play and some of the ways in which the public can play a role in ensuring that there's overall safety and security amongst the populace” she emphasised.‎

‎Dr Agyeman-Rawlings noted that her visit had been comprehensive and expressed hope for continued cooperation between the ministry and the agencies.‎

‎“This has been a very comprehensive visit that started about a week and a half ago and we're hoping that we can work together moving forward to encourage our personnel to keep going at it, to do what they can in the interest of the country but then to also make sure that the public is well informed about what they need to do and about the role that government plays towards their safety.” ‎

‎The working tour forms part of the minister’s engagements with agencies under the ministry to understand their operations, identify challenges and explore ways to support their work.

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