On October 16, 2024, the market women of Berekum Rawlings Park Market honored Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), by installing her as the market queen mother. This event underscored the appreciation of the market women’s association for Opoku-Agyemang’s dedication to championing women’s rights and causes. One of the market’s deputy leaders, Madam Fati Bintu, praised Opoku-Agyemang as a remarkable figure who has consistently advocated for the welfare of market women. The honor bestowed upon her was a testament to her commitment, with Bintu expressing optimism that the NDC would win the upcoming elections and subsequently facilitate the construction of an ultramodern market for the traders.
During her visit, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the warm welcome and recognition from the market women, emphasizing the importance of their role in the economy. She highlighted her longstanding commitment to promoting women’s rights and empowerment through various initiatives. Her campaign tour in the Bono Region allowed her to connect directly with the grassroots, and she took this opportunity to reinforce her party’s dedication to improving the lives of women engaged in market trading. Opoku-Agyemang articulated a vision that included the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank, aimed at providing financial support to help market women grow their businesses and achieve economic independence.
In her address, Opoku-Agyemang addressed the critical need for infrastructural development within the market, acknowledging the current deteriorated state of the Rawlings Park Market. She promised that a future NDC government would prioritize the upgrading of facilities, improving both working conditions for the traders and overall consumer experiences. Her assurance resonated well with the market women, who are keenly aware of the challenges posed by their current environment. By pledging to address these issues, Opoku-Agyemang reinforced her commitment to the socio-economic upliftment of women in commerce.
The engagement with the market women was not only a political campaign strategy but also an opportunity for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang to connect on a personal level with voters. She listened to their concerns, aspirations, and struggles, illustrating her approach to leadership that values inclusivity and representation. This personal touch is central to the NDC’s campaign narrative, which seeks to bridge the gap between the government and the everyday experiences of the citizenry, particularly women who form the backbone of the informal economy.
Additionally, Opoku-Agyemang’s campaign message included a call to action, urging the market women to mobilize and vote for the NDC’s presidential candidate, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, in the approaching December 7 elections. Her appeal to the market women was grounded in their collective power as voters and their ability to influence change within their communities. By framing the electoral process as a means of empowerment, Opoku-Agyemang sought to galvanize support for the NDC and instill a sense of agency among the women.
In conclusion, the event at Berekum Rawlings Park Market marked not only a ceremonial recognition of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s efforts but also a significant moment in her campaign ahead of the upcoming elections. It illustrated the NDC’s focus on women’s empowerment and their economic contributions through a promise of infrastructural development and financial support. As the election date approaches, the relationship between the party and grassroots supporters, like the market women, will be pivotal in shaping the political landscape. The solidarity expressed at this event underscores the importance of engaging with and valuing the needs and ambitions of market women, who play an integral role in the nation’s economy.
