President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Professor Nana Ama Klutse as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The announcement, made on Saturday, January 18, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Ghana’s environmental governance, as Prof. Klutse brings an impressive track record of academic and professional expertise to the role.
Currently serving as the Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Ghana, Prof. Klutse is also the Vice-Chair of the Working Group for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Her dual role as an academic leader and climate expert underscores her commitment to addressing the multifaceted environmental challenges facing Ghana and the global community.
Prof. Klutse expressed her gratitude and determination to tackle Ghana’s pressing environmental issues in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I am deeply grateful to @JDMahama for entrusting me with the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana. It is both an honour and a great responsibility to serve our nation at a time when environmental issues are so pressing.” She emphasized her commitment to addressing critical concerns such as air quality, climate change, and waste management, while pledging to collaborate with stakeholders to create practical and sustainable solutions.
Her message continued, “From addressing air quality concerns to tackling the impacts of climate change and improving waste management systems, Ghana faces significant challenges. I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders to find practical solutions that ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for our country. Together, we can make a real difference for generations to come.”
Prof. Klutse’s appointment is expected to bring renewed focus to the EPA’s mission at a time when the agency faces significant demands to balance environmental protection with Ghana’s development goals. Her experience and expertise are poised to provide strategic direction in areas such as climate adaptation, environmental policy, and sustainable development.
Prof. Klutse’s academic credentials and professional accomplishments underscore her suitability for the role. She holds a PhD in Climatology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and has built an illustrious career as a researcher, educator, and advocate for climate science. Her research focuses on climate modeling and the societal impacts of climate change, including health, energy, and gender issues. She has led and contributed to numerous national and international projects, such as the climate and health project in Ghana and the global CORDEX experiment.
As a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, she teaches courses such as General Physics, Cloud Physics, Atmospheric Physics, Climate Dynamics of Africa, and Regional Climate Modelling. Her supervision of master’s and doctoral students, both in Ghana and abroad, highlights her dedication to developing the next generation of climate scientists.
Prof. Klutse’s contributions to the field of climate science are widely recognized. She is a fellow of the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences – Next Einstein Initiative Women in Climate Change Science, and she served as a Senior Research Scientist and Manager at the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. Her leadership roles within the IPCC, including serving as Vice-Chair of Working Group I for the seventh assessment cycle and as a Lead Author for the Sixth Assessment Report, have further cemented her status as a leading voice in climate research and policy.
Her groundbreaking research includes a notable article published in Environmental Research Letters in May 2018. The study, titled “Potential impact of 1.5 °C and 2 °C global warming on consecutive dry (CDD) and wet days (CWD) over West Africa,” revealed that enhanced warming would lead to reduced mean rainfall across the region. The findings projected an increase in consecutive dry days (CDD) and a decrease in consecutive wet days (CWD) at both 1.5°C and 2°C global warming scenarios, underscoring the critical need for robust climate adaptation strategies in West Africa.
Prof. Klutse has co-authored numerous journal articles and academic books, further enriching the body of knowledge on climate change and its implications. Her contributions to science and policy have earned her respect both locally and internationally, making her appointment as Acting CEO of the EPA a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental governance.
As the EPA’s Acting CEO, Prof. Klutse is expected to lead the agency in addressing Ghana’s environmental challenges, including air pollution, deforestation, and waste management. Her collaborative approach and deep understanding of climate dynamics position her as a strong advocate for integrating science into policy-making to create sustainable solutions.
Her appointment by President Mahama comes at a time when environmental issues are taking center stage in national and global discourse. Ghana, like many nations, is grappling with the impacts of climate change, urbanization, and industrialization, all of which place significant demands on the EPA’s resources and mandate. Under Prof. Klutse’s leadership, the agency is anticipated to implement innovative policies and foster partnerships to address these challenges effectively.
In accepting this role, Prof. Klutse has not only underscored her commitment to advancing environmental protection in Ghana but has also set an example of how academic expertise can be harnessed to drive impactful change. Her leadership is expected to inspire confidence among stakeholders and serve as a rallying point for collective action toward a more sustainable future.
Prof. Klutse’s appointment is a clear signal of President Mahama’s commitment to addressing environmental issues and leveraging expert knowledge to guide Ghana’s development. As she steps into her new role, all eyes will be on her efforts to steer the EPA toward achieving its mandate and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable Ghana.
