In a passionate appeal to market women in Zenu, Felicia Mekpoi Bortey, the Greater Accra Regional Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urged them to vote for the NDC in the upcoming December 7 general elections. Bortey emphasized that the NDC prioritizes the welfare of market women and traders, asserting that their support could significantly contribute to bringing the party back into power. She noted that the Greater Accra Region is home to approximately 70 markets, and a united effort from the traders to vote for the NDC could influence the electoral outcome positively. Her engagement at Zenu Market highlighted the party’s commitment to working closely with women in the marketplace to realize their collective aspirations.
Bortey outlined several policies that the NDC intends to implement to empower women traders. Among these initiatives is the establishment of a women’s bank that aims to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs without the hurdle of collateral. She emphasized that every Ghanaian woman would be eligible for loans with minimal interest, which would enable them to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods. By promoting financial inclusivity, the NDC seeks to eradicate poverty within the community, offering both economic relief and support for women’s empowerment.
Furthermore, Bortey spoke about the implementation of a 24-hour economy designed to create additional jobs for traders. By enhancing security measures, market women would be able to sell their goods around the clock, thereby increasing their revenue potential. This initiative aligns with the NDC’s broader vision of supporting local businesses and improving living standards for all citizens, particularly women who are often the backbone of the informal sector. Additionally, Bortey pledged to introduce a national apprenticeship program tailored for the children of market women, equipping them with essential skills to either seek employment or start their businesses, thereby ensuring a sustainable economic future for families in the area.
During her address, Bortey reiterated the NDC’s credible history of fulfilling campaign promises, citing previous accomplishments such as the construction of market facilities and the provision of security for traders. She called on the women of Zenu to support former President John Dramani Mahama in his endeavors to revitalize the economy and create opportunities for women. By highlighting past successes, she aimed to build trust and motivate the traders to engage in the upcoming electoral process actively.
In a reciprocal dialogue, Madam Evenly Dede Mensah, the queen mother of Zenu Market, raised pressing concerns that echoed the sentiments of many traders in the area. She drew attention to various challenges, including the poor condition of market access roads, inadequate shelving for products, irrigation issues, insufficient sanitation facilities, and financial constraints that hindered the operations of traders. Her grievances underscored the ongoing struggles that women traders face in their daily activities and highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to address these infrastructural deficits.
Overall, Mrs. Bortey’s outreach at the Zenu Market reflected a broader strategy of the NDC to connect with grassroots communities, ensure their voices are heard, and solidify support ahead of the elections. By focusing on the specific needs of market women and addressing their concerns, the party aims to foster a loyal voter base that recognizes the potential benefits of their policies. This proactive approach underscores the importance of political engagement at the local level and the vital role that women play in shaping Ghana’s economic landscape. As the electoral date approaches, the NDC is keen on maintaining this momentum to translate these efforts into a successful turnout at the polls.
