Full speech reproduced below;

Alliance for Science, Global Consortium: The Future of Science Communication

Keynote Speech- Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Day 1)

Topic: The Sustainability Challenge for Africa

INTRODUCTION

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, fellow Africans,

It is an honor to address this gathering on a topic that defines our continent’s present reality and our desired future: The Sustainability Challenge for Africa.

Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo making presentation at the conference

I applaud the Alliance for Science Global Consortium for putting together this event, which brings together like-minded experts with diverse perspectives to dialogue on this all-important subject.

I view the sustainability challenge for Africa as an urgent need for Africa to achieve economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection while ensuring that the progress we make today does NOT come at the expense of the quality of life for our future generations.

To better understand the nature of Africa’s sustainability challenge, I ask two questions:

First, how do we achieve sustainable socio-economic growth and lift millions out of poverty while preserving our natural endowments for future generations.

And second, do political leaders have any role to play in addressing the challenge?

……Having served as a legislator in Ghana’s Parliament for 16 years and as Ghana’s Minister for Education and Energy, I am humbled to say that I have witnessed firsthand the delicate balance Africa must strike

between development and our sustainability challenge.

I dare say without informed political leaders it will take us a very long time to address our sustainability challenges as a continent.

The world’s population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion people by 2050; Picture a world where our children breathe clean air, drink clean water, and inherit a planet with biodiversity. This is the promise of sustainability, a promise increasingly threatened by thec hallenges we face today.

Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh

Critical questions have arisen as the African continent transitions beyond the SDGs and their once-far-away deadlines. With the understanding that many of our goals have yet to be achieved and challenges yet to be resolved, how can we achieve balance and harmony for our ecosystems and who will lead the way?

Just last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report painted a stark picture of our world; Extreme weather events ranging from devastating floods and fires to scorching heatwaves are becoming the new normal. The World Wildlife Fund

estimates that we have lost nearly 70% of the planet’s vertebrate populations in the last 50 years.

These aren’t just statistics; they are a clarion call for action.

Sustainability Challenges in Africa include:

Climate Change: Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events threatening agriculture, water resources, and human settlements.

Environmental Degradation: Widespread Deforestation, land degradation, and pollution affect biodiversity, soil health, and water quality.

Poverty and Inequality: Africa is home to some of the world’s poorest countries, with significant income inequality and limited access to basic services. Limited access to energy, lack of quality education & professional training, and job insecurity exacerbate social and economic disparities. Africa faces significant healthcare challenges, including limited access to quality healthcare, high infant mortality rates, and the burden of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis

Food and Water Security: Many African countries face water scarcity, leading to limited agricultural productivity, industry, and human consumption.

Economic Growth and Diversification: Many African economies rely heavily on a few primary commodities, making them vulnerable to price fluctuations and limiting economic diversification. Africa’s infrastructure, including roads, energy, and transportation, is often underdeveloped, hindering economic growth and development. Africa has a large and growing youth population, with many facing unemployment, underemployment, or informal employment.

All of this is worsened by:

The Paucity of Political Champions:

Africa is a continent of immense potential. We are home to 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, 65% of its arable land, and some of its largest oil and gas reserves. Yet, we are also the continent most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This paradox places us at the heart of the global sustainability debate.

THE POLITICAL WILL TO DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability, encompassing environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability, is not merely an option but an imperative for our survival and prosperity. While individual actions are crucial, actual systemic change that addresses the scale of the climate challenges we face today requires political will and leadership.

The reality, however, is that sustainability does not happen in a vacuum. It requires political will—the ability to enact policies that may not yield immediate electoral benefits but will serve future generations. It requires leaders who are willing to challenge status quo practices that harm our environment, deplete our natural resources, and hinder human development.

I am of the firm belief that championing sustainability through political figures is imperative.  Politicians must be the drivers of sustainability acting as catalysts for change through policy development, public awareness, cross-sector collaboration, and international advocacy.

THE ROLE OF POLITICAL CHAMPIONS

Policy Development and Implementation: Political leaders can establish and enforce policies promoting sustainable development, such as renewable energy targets, agriculture practices, and climate-resilient infrastructure. They translate vision into concrete policies. For instance, Ghana’s Renewable Energy Act, while requiring further implementation, demonstrates the potential for policy frameworks to drive sustainable energy transitions, offering tax incentives and creating a more attractive environment for investment. They secure funding for sustainability programs, ensuring their effective implementation.

Legislative Power: Political leaders have the authority to enact and enforce laws that promote sustainability. Without legal backing, sustainability remains a mere ambition rather than an actionable framework.

Resource Allocation: Governments control budgets and can prioritize funding for renewable energy, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

Visionary Leadership: They articulate a compelling vision of a sustainable future, inspiring hope and mobilizing action. Think of Nelson Mandela’s vision of a unified South Africa, which included environmental justice as a core component. They communicate this vision effectively, engaging the public and building consensus.

International Cooperation & Advocacy: African leaders can engage in global forums, such as the United Nations, to advocate for climate action, sustainable development, and international cooperation. They negotiate and implement international agreements, ensuring collective action on global challenges like climate change

National and Local Implementation: Political champions can ensure effective implementation of sustainability policies and programs at national and local levels.

Public Awareness and Education: Leaders can raise public awareness about sustainability challenges and promote education, training, and capacity-building programs. They raise awareness about sustainability issues, educating citizens about the importance of sustainable practices. They engage communities in sustainability initiatives, empowering them to become agents of change. For example, the late Wangari Maathai’s Green Belt Movement in Kenya not only planted millions of trees but also empowered women and communities to take ownership of their environment.

Cross-Sector Collaboration: They bridge the gap between government, businesses, and civil society, fostering partnerships for sustainable development. They create platforms for

dialogue and collaboration, breaking down silos and promoting integrated approaches.

EXAMPLES OF POLITICAL CHAMPIONS IN AFRICA

1. *President Macky Sall (Senegal)*: Championed renewable energy development and climate resilience in Senegal.
2. *President Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana)*: Launched initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and climate action.
3. *President Paul Kagame (Rwanda)*: Implemented policies to promote sustainable development, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure.
4. *Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore)*: Who transformed Singapore into a global leader in urban sustainability and environmental management through initiative drives such as the NEWater project, which recycles treated wastewater into clean drinking water for both domestic and industrial use.

Sustainability—whether in energy, education, healthcare, or governance—is not a mere buzzword; it is the foundation upon which we must build a fair, equitable, and prosperous future for all. Sustainability is about ensuring that future generations inherit a world better than we found it.

The opportunities available in sustainable development include:

1. *Renewable Energy*: Africa has vast renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydro power, which can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
2. *Agricultural Development*: Africa has significant agricultural potential, with opportunities for sustainable agriculture practices, increased productivity, and improved food security.
3. *Innovation and Technology*: Africa is experiencing a surge in innovation and technology, with opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable development.

Addressing these sustainability opportunities will require a collaborative effort from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals across Africa and globally.

As a trained Medical Doctor and a former Minister of both Education and Energy in Ghana, I have seen firsthand how policies and collaborative efforts can make or break the vision of sustainability.

In recent years, Ghana has made great strides in energy sustainability. Ghana saw massive investments in renewable energy initiatives and natural gas utilization, which has set the stage for the reduction of our reliance on thermal energy sources. This has been encapsulated in our energy transition framework, which provides a clear blueprint for achieving net zero by 2060. The move to prioritize clean energy and energy efficiency is a testament to the role of strong political leadership in advancing sustainability.

CONCLUSION: THE CALL TO ACTION

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, addressing the sustainability of our planet is not an option—it is an obligation. If we are to create a future where our children and, in fact, generations yet unborn thrive, we must embrace political leadership that champions sustainability in all sectors.

Political actors are the drivers of sustainable development. The public sector is characterized by the public services which are offered by the government. By doing this, the government becomes responsible for the social and economic development of a country, region, or locality. Political actors themselves, at the core of their work, understand sustainability as they operate in most countries within 4-year cycles. Every 4 years, they are held accountable by their constituents to account for how they have represented and furthered the socio-economic development of that region.

Once again, I am of the firm belief that the convening of technocratic and political actors in collaborative forums such as this put on by the Alliance for Science are the core drivers of true sustainability.

Yes, we need political champions to promote sustainability! But beyond that, we also need citizens, businesses, and institutions to hold leaders accountable. Political champions alone cannot drive change—we must all demand sustainable policies, participate in green initiatives, and make responsible choices in our daily lives.

As I conclude, let us remember that leadership is not only about the present; it is about securing the future. Let us support, elect, and encourage leaders who prioritize sustainability. Let us make sustainability a permanent part of our national and global discourse

I thank you for your attention and may we all be champions of sustainability in our own unique ways!