Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang Champions National Development Through Enhanced Security and Scientific Innovation

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has concluded a series of high-profile working visits to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), emphasizing that national development is impossible without a foundation of peace, security, and scientific advancement. During her engagements, the Vice President called for a paradigm shift in how state institutions interact with the public, urging security agencies to transition from a posture of intimidation to one of professional collaboration. She stressed that public confidence is a critical asset for law enforcement and that officers must proactively explain their actions to citizens to foster trust and ensure the success of government safety policies.

At the Ministry of the Interior, the Vice President, accompanied by Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and institutional efficiency. She specifically advocated for the increased recruitment, support, and retention of women within the security services, noting that their career progression must remain a top priority. Furthermore, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang challenged the prevailing notion that Ghana lacks a "maintenance culture," arguing instead for the early involvement of technicians in the procurement of government equipment. By engaging technical experts from the beginning of the acquisition process, she noted, the state can extend the lifespan of its assets and redirect saved resources toward other critical national priorities.

In a significant update on the government's digitalization efforts, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak revealed that the newly launched Electronic Visa (E-Visa) portal has recorded over 1,000 applications from travelers across 78 countries within its first month. This modernization effort is complemented by a directive from the presidency ensuring that African passport holders traveling for business purposes will not pay visa fees when using the portal. These reforms are part of a broader strategy to simplify travel to Ghana and enhance the country's appeal as a business and tourism destination.

Turning to the scientific sector, Acting Minister for MESTI, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, briefed the Vice President on plans to recruit 400 scientists to bolster Ghana's research and innovation institutions. The ministry is currently seeking financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance to address human resource shortages that have long hindered technological development. To expand environmental governance, the ministry is also establishing 32 new district offices for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has entered into strategic climate agreements with countries like Switzerland and Singapore to mobilize resources for emission reductions under the Paris Agreement.

These visits underscore a coordinated governmental push toward modernizing state apparatuses while maintaining a human-centered approach to governance. By focusing on the intersection of security professionalism, gender inclusion, scientific research, and digital efficiency, the administration aims to create a more resilient and transparent environment for national progress. The Vice President concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting these ministries as they implement reforms designed to enhance public service delivery and secure the nation's future.