Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has committed to implementing targeted policies aimed at empowering women if her party wins the upcoming elections. Speaking to traders at the Kejetia Market during her campaign in the Ashanti Region, she emphasized the importance of developing a supportive framework for women’s advancement and highlighted the need for a shift in voting patterns among women. By appealing to the traders, she stressed that voting should not be a routine decision but a strategic choice aimed at fostering genuine development.
Central to her vision for women empowerment is the establishment of several key initiatives, including a Women’s Development Bank, a Markets Enhancement Programme, and a National Apprenticeship Programme. These programs are designed to facilitate economic opportunities and skills development specifically for women and youth in Ghana. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang articulated the urgency of creating environments conducive to women’s economic prowess and independence, arguing that targeted measures are necessary to rectify historical imbalances.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called for a critical reassessment of long-held voting traditions, urging women to break free from past patterns that have not yielded tangible development. She argued that women should no longer feel obligated to vote in a predictable manner without seeing corresponding benefits. Her campaign message centers on the idea that embracing a forward-thinking and development-oriented leader like John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, is crucial for achieving meaningful change.
Her belief in Mahama’s candidacy is bolstered by his previous leadership experience, which she cites as evidence of his capability to enact policies that contribute to nation-building. She pointed to tangible projects, such as the construction of the modern Kejetia market, as examples of Mahama’s commitment to development. The Vice Presidential Candidate framed her support for Mahama not merely as political allegiance but as a strategic choice for the empowerment and upliftment of women and the community at large.
In her address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the women traders to mobilize their support for Mahama in the forthcoming December 7 general elections. She underscored the critical importance of a large voter turnout from women who seek improvements in their lives through policy changes aimed at empowerment. With her comprehensive strategy for women and youth centered on economic growth and accessibility to resources, she positioned the NDC as the party best suited to address the needs of these groups in society.
Overall, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s campaign is characterized by a clear focus on fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment through strategic initiatives designed to enhance economic opportunities. Her appeal to the voters at the Kejetia Market is not just a call for political support; it is framed as an invitation to be part of a transformative movement that seeks to balance the scales of opportunity for women in Ghana. Through these proposed programs and policies, she aims to build a supportive infrastructure that prioritizes women’s contributions, not only acknowledging their roles but enhancing them for a more equitable society.
