EPA CEO Nana Ama Browne Klutse honoured for her efforts in environmental protection

The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has been conferred with the traditional title Lamashea Namtere Maligu-Naa, meaning Queen Protector of the Environment, by the Lamushee Naa of Tamale, Alhaji Mahama Idrisu, who also represents the Yaa Naa of Dagbon.

The honour recognises Professor Klutse’s work in environmental protection since becoming the CEo of EPA and is expected to strengthen collaboration between the EPA and traditional authorities in promoting environmental sustainability in Tamale and across Ghana.

The conferment took place when the EPA CEO paid a courtesy call on the Lamushee Naa to announce the Authority’s Styrofoam ban awareness campaign in Northern Ghana and formally invite the traditional ruler to a grand float, debate and quiz event in Tamale.

Explaining the significance of the title, the Lamushee Naa said it was a royal recognition of Professor Klutse’s commitment to protecting the environment. “This is not an ordinary conferment of title. It is in recognition of your hard work in protecting Ghana’s environment. We have been monitoring your efforts since you took over as the CEO of the EPA, and we believe that having you as a member of the royal family would also help champion the environmental objectives of Tamale and the entire Ghana,” he said.

The title also makes Professor Klutse a member of the palace, with the expectation that she will respond to royal calls to perform traditional environmetal duties when required.

In her acceptance speech, Professor Klutse expressed gratitude to the palace and pledged her commitment to supporting its environmental initiatives. “On behalf of the EPA, I want to express my profound gratitude to the palace and to His Royal Majesty, the Lamushee Naa of Tamale, Alhaji Mahama Idrisu, for his kind gesture. This has encouraged me and my officers at the EPA because it shows that the good work we are doing for Mother Ghana is being recognised. I pledge to heed your call whenever you call on me,” she said.

At the same event, the EPA’s Acting Director of Risk and Strategy, Sydney Kwaku Danso, was conferred with the title Malibu Naa Wulana, meaning Adviser to the Namtere Maligu-Naa. The honour recognises his strategic leadership and support for Professor Klutse in discharging her responsibilities as head of the Authority.

The conferment coincided with the EPA’s public awareness campaign on the impending ban on polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, products, which aims to educate communities on the environmental and public health risks associated with their use and disposal.

The EPA team subsequently joined a float through the principal streets of Tamale to mobilise public support for the ban and promote sustainable alternatives ahead of its implementation on January 1, 2027.

The Northern Ghana campaign is expected to culminate in a grand durbar and an inter-school quiz and debate in Tamale, bringing together students and other stakeholders to assess public understanding of the ban and the need to eliminate Styrofoam pollution.