Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a heartfelt appeal to queen mothers in the Central Region, urging them to support the party’s vision to “reset Ghana.” Her call came during a meeting themed “Building the Central Region We Want,” where she engaged the traditional leaders in discussions about regional development and the need for collective action to transform the area.
The meeting provided a platform for the NDC running mate to outline the party’s commitment to uplifting the Central Region and the nation as a whole. She emphasized the critical role queen mothers and women leaders play in fostering community growth and shaping the socio-economic future of their regions. Professor Opoku-Agyemang expressed optimism that the queen mothers would actively join the NDC’s campaign to secure victory in the 2024 elections.
In her remarks, she highlighted the unique challenges faced by women, particularly market women, in their daily lives. She pointed out that many women struggle to access loans to sustain their businesses, a situation she attributed to the lack of sufficient support and resources. “There are certain situations we find ourselves in, and we cannot do anything. As market women, we need loans to work with, but sometimes things are hard to the extent that securing the loans becomes a challenge,” she noted.
Drawing on the example of the Kejetia market, a major infrastructure project undertaken during the NDC administration, Professor Opoku-Agyemang underscored the party’s commitment to supporting women and empowering them to thrive. “The market is our place as women, and we spend most of our time there. If not the NDC that built the Kejetia market, which government would have done that?” she asked, reaffirming the party’s track record of addressing the needs of women and the informal sector.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also touched on the broader aspirations of the Central Region, urging the queen mothers to join forces with the NDC in transforming the area. She expressed her desire to see the region shed its label as one of the poorer areas in the country, emphasizing the importance of targeted policies and programs to drive development.
“Ghanaian women are not lazy, but the support is not forthcoming. I am here to plead with you to support the NDC. As a region, we don’t want to be classified as a poor region again, and so I am here to dialogue with you to find solutions. We need you to support us so we know what policies can help transform the region,” she stated.
The dialogue between the NDC running mate and the queen mothers reflected a shared commitment to identifying practical solutions for the Central Region’s challenges. Professor Opoku-Agyemang underscored the need for inclusive governance that listens to the voices of traditional leaders and incorporates their insights into policymaking. She highlighted the party’s intention to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the Central Region’s potential is fully realized.
This engagement aligns with the NDC’s broader agenda to prioritize regional development and equity, addressing long-standing disparities in resource allocation and infrastructure development. Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s appeal to the queen mothers is part of the party’s strategy to mobilize grassroots support and ensure that its message resonates with all segments of the population.
As the 2024 elections approach, the NDC continues to position itself as a party committed to social and economic transformation, with a focus on empowering women, supporting local businesses, and addressing regional disparities. Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s outreach to the queen mothers reflects the party’s recognition of the influential role traditional leaders play in shaping public opinion and mobilizing communities.
The queen mothers, in turn, expressed their appreciation for the engagement and their willingness to collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving the Central Region. They acknowledged the importance of dialogue and partnership in achieving sustainable development and pledged their readiness to work with the NDC on issues affecting their communities.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to building a better future for the Central Region. Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of collective effort and the power of inclusive leadership in driving meaningful change.
With the support of traditional leaders, grassroots organizations, and other stakeholders, the NDC aims to chart a new course for the Central Region and the nation, one that prioritizes equity, empowerment, and progress for all Ghanaians.
