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Murtala Muhammed speaks on plastics ban, GMOs, and climate funding at Vetting

Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister-Designate for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, where he was questioned on key environmental issues, including plastic waste management, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and climate funding.

Plastics ban: A gradual approach needed

When asked about Ghana’s plastic waste crisis, Murtala Muhammed cautioned against an immediate ban on plastics, arguing that it would have negative consequences unless viable alternatives are introduced first.

“You don’t just ban something because there is a challenge. You need to look for alternatives. If you don’t have alternatives and proceed to impose a ban, the consequences may be dire,” he stated.

The nominee proposed conducting a comprehensive study to explore alternatives and supporting local industries to develop reusable containers. He cited Rwanda’s phased approach to banning plastics as a model Ghana could learn from.

GMOs: A balanced perspective

On the GMO debate, MP Patrick Boamah asked whether Ghana should consider banning genetically modified foods.

Murtala argued that food scarcity in developing countries requires a careful approach rather than outright prohibition. He questioned the impact of a potential GMO ban and emphasized the need to trust the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and the Biosafety Act, which regulate and assess GMOs in Ghana.

I believe the NBA is capable of assessing and advising the government, whether through the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, or any relevant authority,” he said.

Diplomatic approach to climate funding

Murtala also called for diplomatic engagement to ensure Ghana continues benefiting from global climate funding. He expressed concern over the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, warning that such actions could weaken global climate efforts.

It is a worrying issue that the US has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement because it is the biggest funder. If we don’t honor our Nationally Determined Contributions, we risk losing key donor support,” he stated.

Murtala emphasized collaboration with international partners to secure climate financing and sustain Ghana’s environmental initiatives.

His vetting was not limited to these issues but also covered a range of pressing environmental challenges.

There can be no neutrality when one is tasked to help right what is wrong – Gyampo on his appointment

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