Market queens in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, have pledged their unwavering support for former President John Dramani Mahama’s re-election bid ahead of the 7th December 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
Speaking at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Women’s Campaign launch in Kumasi on 30th September 2024, Nana Pokuah, Ahweneɛhemaa Abɛdiakyire, speaking on behalf of the market women, praised former President Mahama for selecting Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate, reaffirming his commitment to women’s empowerment.
She said, “This bold decision to choose Prof. Jane Naana as your running mate demonstrates your good intentions to give women a voice in national decision-making.”
Nana Pokuah further explained why Asanteman women, in particular, should vote for the NDC in the upcoming elections. She highlighted the development projects initiated by the former President, saying, “Just look at the markets the former President built in Kumasi to promote business and trade, through the efforts of the former Mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu.”
She also criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its management of the Kumasi Kejetia modern market, accusing the government of distributing shops based on political affiliations.
“Look at the Kejetia Market; the government failed to fairly allocate spaces to traders who were evicted for its construction. Many deserving traders were denied shops, while those who had never traded there were given spaces. This has led to congestion, with many traders now forced to sell in open spaces,” she lamented.
Ahweneɛhemaa Abɛdiakyire expressed regret for voting against the NDC in the past despite the development projects under Mahama’s administration. “We beg the former President to forgive us for being ungrateful despite the massive market projects we witnessed under his regime. Please forget the past and embrace us again,” she pleaded.
She emphasized the significant participation of traders in the NDC’s political programs this year, saying, “I don’t believe traders have ever fully participated in any NDC political event like today. We are disappointed in the current government, and we are telling Mr. Mahama that we now give our 100% support to the NDC. We trust you will deliver on all your promises, especially for women.”
Nana Pokuah also lobbied for the reappointment of Kojo Bonsu as Mayor of Kumasi to continue the market development projects initiated during Mahama’s previous administration. “We saw the hard work of Kojo Bonsu. He is the one who can build markets where women can trade peacefully. This is our plea to you—please bring him back to Ashanti to help the traders.”
In closing, she conveyed a message to former First Lady, Lordina Mahama, stating, “Tell our mother, Lordina Mahama, that the market women are assuring her of our full support in this election. We will not disappoint her.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
