Styrofoam Ban Campaign: Tamale Palace honours EPA CEO with traditional environmental protection title

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 contributions to environmental protection since assuming leadership of the EPA and is expected to deepen collaboration between the Authority and traditional leaders in advancing environmental sustainability in Tamale and across Ghana.

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

Explaining the significance of the title, the Lamushee Naa described it as a royal recognition of Professor Klutse’s dedication to safeguarding 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 will further advance the environmental goals of Tamale and Ghana as a whole,” he said.

The title also inducts Professor Klutse into the royal household, with the expectation that she will respond to traditional calls to support environmental stewardship and related community initiatives whenever required.

In her acceptance remarks, Professor Klutse expressed gratitude to the palace and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting its environmental agenda.

“On behalf of the EPA, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the palace and to His Royal Majesty, the Lamushee Naa of Tamale, Alhaji Mahama Idrisu, for this honour. This recognition is encouraging not only for me but also for my colleagues at the EPA because it demonstrates that the work we are doing for Mother Ghana is being appreciated. I pledge to answer your call whenever I am called upon,” she said.

At the same ceremony, 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 acknowledges his strategic leadership and support in assisting Professor Klutse to execute her mandate as head of the Authority.

The conferment coincided with the EPA’s public awareness campaign on the impending ban on polystyrene products, commonly known as Styrofoam. The campaign seeks to educate communities about the environmental and public health risks associated with the production, use and disposal of such materials.

Following the ceremony, the EPA team embarked on a float through the principal streets of Tamale to rally public support for the ban and promote the adoption of sustainable alternatives ahead of its implementation on January 1, 2027.

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