In a significant address to Central Regional Queen Mothers, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasized the vital role that traditional authorities can play in alleviating poverty and empowering women in Ghana. The forum, titled “Building the Central Region We Want: Shared Perspectives from Our Queen Mothers,” served as a platform for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang to express her commitment to collaborative efforts that address the unique challenges faced in the Central Region. With the region’s alarming status as the fourth poorest in Ghana, she underscored the urgency for targeted interventions that can improve the economic landscape and wellbeing of its residents.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang detailed several ambitious initiatives that the NDC plans to implement under her government, aimed at fostering economic empowerment and job creation. Key proposals include the establishment of a 24-Hour Economy intended to stimulate continuous economic activity, a Women’s Development Bank to specifically cater to the financial needs of women entrepreneurs, a National Apprenticeship Programme to equip the youth with vocational skills, and the expansive Big Push infrastructure agenda. She reassured the queen mothers present that these initiatives would ensure equitable resource distribution, particularly focusing on creating jobs and providing financial opportunities for women in the Central Region.
Beyond economic initiatives, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang addressed the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy, which continues to be a significant challenge in the region. She articulated a vision where the NDC government would collaborate closely with queen mothers to create and implement lasting solutions to mitigate this issue. By working together with these traditional leaders, she aimed to foster an environment where adolescent health and education could take priority, ultimately contributing to the overall empowerment of women and girls.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently in her address, as Prof. Opoku-Agyemang discussed plans to construct new markets and enhance existing infrastructure to promote economic growth. Such developments are anticipated to create more spaces for trade and commerce, thereby improving the standard of living for people in the Central Region. By investing in infrastructure, the NDC hopes to provide communities with the necessary tools to thrive economically, thus uplifting the region from its current standing.
In her address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the queen mothers to mobilize their communities in support of the NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama. She stressed the importance of unity and collective action in ensuring a significant voter turnout for the upcoming December 7 elections. Her plea for support was couched in a promise that an NDC government would not only fulfill its commitments but also actively work to enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians.
Overall, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s engagement with the queen mothers illustrates the NDC’s focus on grassroots involvement in governance and development. By prioritizing partnerships with traditional leadership, the NDC aims to create inclusive policies that directly address the needs and aspirations of the community, particularly concerning poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development in the Central Region. The prospect of an NDC government appears to be framed around collaborative strategies that leverage local knowledge and authority, paving the way for lasting change in Ghana’s socio-economic landscape.
