As the National Democratic Congress Professionals Forum prepares for its 6th Annual Summit, a two-day event scheduled for April 17–18, 2026, in Accra, attention is increasingly turning to the Forum’s internal elections, a critical component of the gathering.
Among the standout contenders is Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse, a globally acclaimed climate scientist who is seeking to become the next Global President of the Forum.
Prof. Klutse, currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority Ghana and a Professor of Physics at the University of Ghana, is anchoring her campaign on a strong blend of scientific expertise, policy experience, and international leadership.
With more than 20 years in climate science, she has built a reputation for advancing understanding of climate variability and its impact on key sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, and disaster risk management. She holds a PhD in Climatology from the University of Cape Town, where her research focused on improving seasonal climate forecasting models across Southern Africa.
Her global influence is reflected in her work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, where she served as a Lead Author for the Sixth Assessment Report and currently holds the position of Vice Chair of Working Group I for the Seventh Assessment Cycle—placing her at the forefront of global climate science and policy discussions.
Over the years, Prof. Klutse has contributed to several international and regional initiatives, including climate services development, resilience programmes, and strategies targeting short-lived climate pollutants. Her career spans respected institutions such as the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences in Rwanda, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy, and the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute.Her bid comes at a defining moment for the Forum, as the summit—held under the theme “Strengthening the Reset Agenda for Continuous Economic Growth and Prosperity: The Role of the NDC Professional Forum”—is expected to shape both leadership and policy direction for the group within the broader National Democratic Congress.
Supporters say her candidacy represents an opportunity to deepen the Forum’s intellectual influence and global engagement, leveraging her experience in science diplomacy and evidence-based policymaking.
If elected, Prof. Klutse would become the first woman to lead the Global NDC Professionals Forum, marking a significant milestone for gender representation within the organisation.
Beyond her academic and policy achievements, she is also widely recognised for promoting women in science and mentoring young researchers across Africa—an attribute that resonates strongly with a professional body seeking innovation and inclusiveness.
With the elections as a central pillar of the two-day summit, her candidacy adds a compelling global and intellectual dimension to the race, as members prepare to decide on leadership that will guide the Forum’s next phase.
By: Christian Kpesese
