As the world celebrates World Environment Day on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah-Hayford, has urged Ghanaians to invest in resilient strategies to protect the country's natural resources.

The protection of natural resources, she said, will promote a greener and safer future for all.

Speaking on the theme "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience – Journey to a Greener Future," the minister stated that the day's celebration should also serve as a catalyst for social change.

She said government, through the ministry, will hold a series of events including tree-planting exercise, dialogues on nature-based solutions suitable for ecosystem restoration.

"For us in Ghana, in observing the day, the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other key stakeholders, will undertake a 'What Do You Know Quiz,' exhibitions, tree planting exercises, public education, and awareness creation on sustainable land management practices," she said.

The minister added that her outfit will "facilitate dialogues on nature-based solutions suitable for ecosystem restoration, to advance efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (13 & 15), restore degraded landscapes, combat desertification, build effective resilience to drought, and ensure a sustainable future for both the planet and the next generation."

"Let’s therefore use this day as a catalyst for social change as we adopt sustainable land management practices and invest in resilient strategies to protect our planet's existing natural resources and promote a greener, safer, and better future for all," Ophelia Mensah-Hayford stated.

Established by the United Nations, World Environment Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the most pressing environmental challenges, inspire, and find solutions to the problems identified.

World Environment Day 2024 focuses on land restoration, stopping desertification, and building drought resilience.

SA/EK