Dunkwa Mfoum, Central Region – Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer Mr. John Dramani Mahama, has called on women, especially traders, to show understanding towards their husbands amidst the urgent financial challenges, attributing their difficulties to the country’s pressing economic downturn.
Addressing market women during a visit to Dunkwa Mfoum, Opoku-Agyemang empathized with traders who often rely on their husbands for financial support due to limited credit access from financial institutions.
“Most of the time, when you are unable to get credit from the financial institutions to support your trade, you turn to your husbands for help, but they cannot help because they are either out of jobs or their businesses are not doing well due to the economic difficulties in the country,” she explained.
Emphasizing that economic mismanagement has exacerbated financial hardships nationwide, Opoku-Agyemang assured the audience that the NDC recognizes these challenges and is prepared to implement solutions, including establishing a Women’s Development Bank.
This initiative aims to provide women entrepreneurs with easier access to credit, circumventing traditional barriers such as collateral requirements and high interest rates.
“The Women’s Development Bank is one of the many interventions that the next NDC administration would roll out to significantly enhance the lot of women in Ghana,” she affirmed, predicting that over one million women could benefit from improved access to loans, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in the audience.
Opoku-Agyemang urged the women to support the NDC in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that their votes are crucial for implementing these proposed reforms.
She highlighted the broader societal benefits of economically empowering women, suggesting that improved business opportunities for women would positively impact entire households.
In conclusion, Opoku-Agyemang addressed the rising costs of food items affecting market traders nationwide, encouraging them to exercise their voting power to effect change.
“You have the opportunity to vote for change,” she reminded the gathering, underscoring the significant influence of their political decisions on economic conditions, empowering the audience with a sense of their own importance.
Opoku-Agyemang’s remarks reflect the NDC’s ongoing efforts to address the economic challenges facing Ghanaian women, positioning the Women’s Development Bank as a pivotal policy initiative aimed at fostering economic empowerment and resilience.
