The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Professor Ama Browne Klutse, has been installed as a Development Queen (Mama Dzradudo I) of Ketu North by the Chiefs and Queenmothers of the area.
The surprise installation took place today, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 during the official commissioning of the new EPA District Office in Dzodze, the municipal capital.
The honour, according to the traditional leaders, is in recognition of her unwavering commitment to environmental protection and her contributions toward sustainable development in the municipality.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony, the Paramount Chief and traditional leaders praised Professor Klutse for not only advocating green policies but also actively implementing initiatives that have directly benefited the people of Ketu North. These include the promotion of plastic waste management, youth empowerment in environmental careers, and support for local agricultural sustainability through eco-conscious practices.
> “We have not just seen her speak; we have seen her work. She is not a leader in Accra who only sends messages—she comes to the ground, interacts with our people, and is transforming this land,” said one of the elders during the installation rites.
The newly enstooled Queen, Mama Dzradudo I (translated loosely as “Mother of Environmental Purity”), was visibly moved by the gesture.
She thanked the traditional authorities and the people of Ketu North for the honour and pledged to deepen her commitment to the area’s development.
> “This honour humbles me greatly. I accept it not for myself alone, but for all those at the EPA who are working tirelessly to protect our environment. I promise to be not just a Queen in name, but in service and action,” she said.
Professor Klutse highlighted several key priorities for her role as Mama Dzradudo I, including:
Education campaigns in schools on environmental protection.
Community-based recycling programs to tackle plastic pollution.
Tree planting initiatives in collaboration with local farmers and schools.
Empowerment of women and youth through eco-friendly businesses.
The installation was witnessed by dignitaries including Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, MP for Ketu North, who lauded the EPA for bringing its services closer to the people.
He expressed optimism that the new district office and Mama Dzradudo I’s influence would drive a new wave of environmental consciousness in the municipality.
> “This is a new chapter for Ketu North,” the MP remarked. “We now have a homegrown champion in Mama Dzradudo I who will help rally the people for development and environmental responsibility.”
The event ended with traditional drumming, dancing, and a symbolic tree-planting exercise led by Professor Klutse herself, signifying the start of what many hope will be a greener, cleaner, and more prosperous future for Ketu North.
By PROSPER AGBENYEGA