Professor Daniel Kwabena Twerefou urges stronger stewardship of Ghana's natural resources

Professor Daniel Kwabena Twerefou, an economics professor at the University of Ghana, delivered his inaugural lecture on July 30, 2026, under the theme “Ghana’s Stewardship Paradox: Rich in Resources, Poor in Governance.” He warned that weak governance, politicisation and inadequate policies have led to forest loss, river pollution, land degradation and depletion of mineral assets, threatening livelihoods, biodiversity and long‑term economic prospects.

Twerefou called for comprehensive reforms: stronger institutions, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, the “polluter pays” principle, value‑addition to minerals, integration of indigenous knowledge and greater accountability across agencies. He stressed that natural resources must be treated as national capital to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations.