Ghana and South Africa collaborate to manage the environment

By Lydia Asamoah/Elizabeth Tetteh, GNA
Accra, March 24, GNA - Ghana on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Africa, to help the country better manage its environment and natural resources in the face of numerous environmental challenges facing Ghana.

The MOU was signed on behalf of Ghana by Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation while Ms Lulu Xingwana, Higher Commissioner of South Africa initialed on behalf of her government.

The MOU would allow the two countries to exchange views and experiences on instruments for environmental protection policy and management, natural resource management, world heritage management as well as strengthening of environmental awareness, by means of environmental education and participation by their citizens.

It would also aid in the exchange of information and technical support related to environmental legislation and policies, environmentally sound technologies and their applications.

Ms Lulu said it was hoped that after the signing of the MOU, a plan of action would be drafted to aid the implementation of the co-operation.

She said South Africa had initiated a project with 10 countries of which Ghana was part.

She said under the programme, 15 Ghanaian students and 10 Kenyan students would be trained from April 20, in science and technology.

She said her country also signed an MOU with Ghana on science and technology in 2012 of which Ghana was being helped to construct the Kuntunse Satellite project in the Eastern Region that was expected to be inaugurated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in May.

She explained that the Kuntunse Satellite project, which was initiated by South Africa was co-sponsored by UK government and that would help Ghana access the universe through a satellite.

Ms Xingwana expressed South Africa's continuous commitment towards the development of both nations while maintaining the cordial relationship between the two countries.

'Ghana is one of the first countries South Africa started a relationship with after we gain independence in 1994 even though the relationship dates back a longer time', Ms Xingwana said.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng commended South Africa for partnering Ghana in finding solutions to the havoc caused to the environment through the effect of climate change.

He said the issues of biodiversity, conservation of wildlife, management of mangroves and control of hazardous chemical control of e-waste were so dear to government.

He also thanked South Africa for helping in the training of some Ghanaian astronauts to monitor the universe from the Kuntunse station, as well as building the satellite station to help explore the universe.

The Minister said with the partnership, Ghana was on the right track in confronting its environmental challenges.

He gave the assurance that there was better commitment on the part of government towards addressing issues of the environment.

GNA