Ahmed Ibrahim calls for stronger government-academia partnership to tackle environmental challenges

The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, has called for stronger collaboration between government, universities, industry and civil society to address Ghana’s growing environmental challenges.

He said tackling issues such as climate change, illegal mining, deforestation, land degradation, pollution, flooding and water resource depletion requires collective action, with academia and the youth playing critical roles.

Speaking at the official launch of the School of Natural Resources Students’ Association (SNARSA) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Fiapre, near Sunyani in the Bono Region, the Minister urged students to use their knowledge and expertise to develop practical solutions to the country’s environmental problems.

The launch was held under the theme: “Natural Resources Students at the Forefront of Sustaining the Environment: Partnering Government Against Environmental Backlashes.”

Mr Ibrahim described the theme as timely, given the increasing environmental pressures confronting Ghana and other parts of the world.

“As future environmental scientists, resource managers, policymakers, planners and development practitioners, you have a critical role to play in shaping a more sustainable future,” he told the students.

He stressed that sustainable national development could not be achieved without protecting the country's natural resource base, noting that economic growth, public health, food security, energy production and urban development were all closely linked to responsible resource management.

The Minister also raised concerns about Ghana’s water security, revealing that the country’s per capita water availability is estimated at 1,509 cubic metres annually, below the globally accepted benchmark of 1,700 cubic metres per person.

He said the situation underscored the need to prioritise water security through sustainable management, protection and equitable distribution of water resources.

Mr Ibrahim indicated that the government remained committed to investing in water supply infrastructure, rural water systems and urban water expansion initiatives to improve access to safe and affordable water.

However, he cautioned that government interventions alone would not be enough to protect the country's water bodies and ecosystems.

“Safeguarding our rivers, wetlands, and watersheds requires responsible behaviour from all stakeholders,” he said, urging students to become ambassadors for water conservation and environmental stewardship.

The Minister also called for increased investment in climate-resilient systems capable of withstanding floods, droughts and other environmental shocks.

He said roads, housing, drainage systems, water supply networks and sanitation facilities were essential to national development, adding that infrastructure planning must increasingly respond to the effects of climate change.

“Safe and sustainable infrastructure not only protects lives and property but also promotes economic growth, productivity and social inclusion,” he stated.

Mr Ibrahim further highlighted the importance of responsible natural resource management, warning that deforestation, environmental degradation and unsustainable resource extraction posed significant threats to Ghana's development.

He identified universities, particularly UENR, as important partners in addressing these challenges through research, innovation and capacity building.

The Minister therefore encouraged SNARSA members to embrace interdisciplinary thinking, scientific inquiry and community engagement to generate practical solutions.

He assured the university community that the Ministry was ready to deepen strategic partnerships with academic institutions and student organisations to promote knowledge generation, innovation and evidence-based policymaking.

“The Ministry stands ready to engage with and support initiatives that promote sustainable natural resource management, environmental protection and the development of practical solutions to national challenges,” he said.

He congratulated the leadership and members of SNARSA on the launch, expressing optimism that the association would contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management in Ghana.