Tano North Member of Parliament, Dr Gideon Boako, has called on African governments and industries to embrace industrialisation that balances economic growth with environmental protection.

He made the call when he joined a panel session at the 2025 International Sustainability Conference organised by the KNUST College of Humanities and Social Sciences in Kumasi on the theme “Industrial Sustainability, Business Innovation, and Development.”

Dr Boako, who also doubles as an Economics and Finance lecturer at the KNUST School of Business (currently on leave of absence to serve as an MP), said innovation, technology, and sustainability are the “three keys to responsible national development.”

He noted that industrial sustainability was no longer optional but essential for every nation seeking responsible growth, adding that development should not come at the expense of the planet.

“Industrial sustainability ensures that progress does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

It aligns perfectly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals — particularly those on clean energy, innovation, and responsible production,” he said.

Dr Boako cited the example of Newmont’s Ahafo Mine in his constituency, describing how the company integrates sustainability into its core operations through reforestation, education, and health initiatives. 

“That is the balance our generation must strive for — growth that sustains, not growth that destroys,” he stressed.

He further urged industries in Ghana to learn from examples across Africa, such as Rwanda’s ban on single-use plastics and Kenya’s large-scale adoption of renewable energy.

“These show that sustainable industrialisation is achievable with the right policies, innovation, and commitment,” he said.

Dr Boako emphasised that sustainable industrialisation would not only attract responsible investment but also create long-term jobs and resilience for communities.