The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has been conferred with a traditional title, Lamashea Namtere Maligu-Naa, meaning Queen Protector of the Environment. This honour, bestowed by the Lamushee Naa of Tamale, Alhaji Mahama Idrisu, acknowledges Professor Klutse's dedication to environmental protection since becoming EPA CEO. The title signifies the recognition of her efforts and is expected to strengthen collaboration between the EPA and traditional authorities in promoting environmental sustainability.
The conferment ceremony took place during a courtesy call by Professor Klutse on the Lamushee Naa, where she announced the EPA's Styrofoam ban awareness campaign in Northern Ghana. The campaign aims to educate communities about the environmental and public health risks associated with Styrofoam products and promote sustainable alternatives. The Lamushee Naa emphasized that the title is a royal recognition of Professor Klutse's commitment to protecting Ghana's environment, and that her membership in the royal family will help champion environmental objectives in Tamale and across Ghana.
As a member of the palace, Professor Klutse is expected to respond to royal calls to perform traditional environmental duties when required. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to the palace and pledged her commitment to supporting its environmental initiatives. The EPA's Acting Director of Risk and Strategy, Sydney Kwaku Danso, was also conferred with the title Malibu Naa Wulana, recognizing his strategic leadership and support for Professor Klutse in discharging her responsibilities as head of the Authority.
The EPA's public awareness campaign on the impending ban on polystyrene products, commonly known as Styrofoam, aims to educate communities on the environmental and public health risks associated with their use and disposal. The ban is set to take effect on January 1, 2027. As part of the campaign, the EPA team participated in a float through the principal streets of Tamale to mobilize public support for the ban and promote sustainable alternatives.
The Northern Ghana campaign will 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. This event aims to engage the public and promote environmental sustainability in the region. The EPA's efforts have been recognized by the palace, which sees the Authority's work as crucial in protecting Ghana's environment.
The traditional title conferred on Professor Klutse is a significant recognition of her efforts in environmental protection. The Lamushee Naa highlighted that the conferment is not an ordinary title, but a royal recognition of her hard work in protecting Ghana's environment. This honour is expected to inspire further collaboration between the EPA and traditional authorities in promoting environmental sustainability.
The EPA's Styrofoam ban awareness campaign is part of a broader effort to address environmental and public health concerns in Ghana. The Authority's work in promoting sustainable alternatives and eliminating Styrofoam pollution is crucial in protecting the country's environment and promoting public health. Key stakeholders, including students and traditional authorities, are being engaged to support the campaign and promote environmental sustainability.
Key points
- The EPA CEO, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has been conferred with the traditional title Lamashea Namtere Maligu-Naa for her environmental protection efforts.
- The EPA's Styrofoam ban awareness campaign aims to educate communities on the environmental and public health risks associated with Styrofoam products.
- The ban on polystyrene products is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
