In a heartfelt appeal, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, has addressed the importance of the government’s Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy and the significant role women play in its continuation. Speaking at the commissioning of market infrastructure improvements at the Kumasi Race Course Market on October 15, 2024, she urged women to express their gratitude for the policy by voting in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December 7 elections. Osei-Opare emphasized how the Free SHS initiative has alleviated the financial burdens on parents, who would otherwise need to resort to extreme measures like selling personal belongings to fund their children’s education. She framed the vote as a critical step toward ensuring the policy’s sustainability.
The commissioning ceremony also served to highlight the positive impact of the government on local communities. The Chief of Staff noted that the constructions, which included sheds, steel bridges, and concrete pavements, were financed directly by her office following a series of devastating fire outbreaks in the market during 2023 and 2024. Her commitment to improving market conditions aligns with her appeal to women, especially those who bear the brunt of educational expenses. She acknowledged the presence of local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Kumasi and various NPP executives, further emphasizing the collaborative effort in tackling community challenges.
Osei-Opare provided a clear rationale for why voting for the NPP and its presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is crucial. She pointed out that his track record in social interventions and his ambitious digitalization agenda present opportunities for broader economic transformation. By emphasizing the necessity of continued support for the NPP, she underscored how the party has made strides in lessening the financial burdens tied to educational costs. Her remarks were intended to galvanize support among women voters, who hold a key demographic position in the electoral process.
In response to her statements, Nana Afia Kyeiwaa, the queen mother of the Kumasi market traders, expressed gratitude on behalf of the traders for the improvements made to their trading conditions. Her acknowledgment of Osei-Opare’s efforts to support market women in times of crisis illustrates the positive relationship between the government and local traders. She assured that in return for the government’s support, the traders would organize to vote in favor of Dr. Bawumia and NPP parliamentary candidates, signifying their commitment to continued development and support.
The Chief of Staff drove home the message that voting is not merely a civic duty but a powerful means of effecting change and ensuring continued support for programs like the Free SHS Policy. She urged women to recognize the tangible benefits they have experienced under the NPP government and to vote accordingly to safeguard these advancements. This call to action reflects both an understanding of the political landscape and the unique challenges faced by women, particularly in the context of education and economic stability.
Overall, the event at the Kumasi Race Course Market served as a microcosm of the broader electoral strategy of the NPP as it approaches the December elections. It highlighted the interconnectedness of government initiatives, community support, and electoral engagement. Osei-Opare’s appeal to women and the gratitude expressed by market leaders spotlighted the necessity of collaboration in fostering sustainable development. As the elections draw closer, the focus on social policies and economic transformation will be pivotal in shaping electoral outcomes and reinforcing the commitment to continued improvements for the people of Ghana.
