Parliament Approves Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Environment, Science and Technology Minister
Parliament has unanimously approved the nomination of Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, as Ghana's Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, following her vetting by the Appointments Committee.
The approval was given on Thursday, August 27, 2026, after Parliament adopted the report of the Appointments Committee recommending her appointment. The decision was taken through a voice vote, with members on both sides of the House supporting the nomination.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama as part of changes to his ministerial team. Her nomination was formally referred to Parliament in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires parliamentary approval for ministerial appointments.
Key issues raised during vetting
During her appearance before the Appointments Committee on August 27, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings addressed several issues central to the mandate of the Ministry, including environmental protection, illegal mining, scientific research, technological development, climate action and the management of Ghana's natural resources.
She called for a stronger all-of-government approach to tackling illegal mining, stressing the need for better coordination among ministries, departments and agencies to address the environmental and public-health consequences of the activity.
She also raised concerns about the loss of scientists and researchers from Ghana's public scientific institutions, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA).
According to her, improving working conditions and providing adequate resources will be necessary to retain scientific talent and strengthen Ghana's research capacity.
Focus on research and innovation
Another area highlighted during the vetting was the need to translate scientific research into practical solutions and economic opportunities.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings proposed stronger collaboration between research institutions, government and industry, including increased support for the CSIR to research plant-based alternatives to conventional plastics using locally available resources such as cassava and hemp.
The approach reflects a broader focus on connecting Ghana's scientific research with environmental sustainability, industrial development and innovation.
From Parliament to the Ministry
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings has served as the MP for Korle Klottey since January 2017 and is currently in her third term in Parliament. She is a medical doctor by profession and has previously served on Parliament's Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology.
She was also elected Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament Bureau in April 2026, representing the West African region.
Her appointment comes after the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio remained under acting oversight following the death of former minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed in August 2025.
With Parliament's approval now secured, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings moves closer to formally assuming responsibility for a ministry facing significant challenges, particularly illegal mining, environmental degradation, scientific research capacity, climate action and the commercialisation of innovation.
Her approval therefore marks a new phase for Ghana's environmental, scientific and technological policy agenda under the Mahama administration.