Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the esteemed academic and former Minister of Education, who is also the running mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has rallied market women to vote massively for the party in the upcoming general elections.
Speaking at the annual National Market Women’s Conference, she emphasized the critical need for a reliable power supply to boost their businesses. She particularly highlighted the transformative impact of stable electricity on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and pledged support for initiatives aimed at improving the energy infrastructure.
Focusing on the necessity of a reliable power supply to enhance the productivity and profitability of their businesses, she said “Access to stable and affordable electricity is not just a convenience; it is a fundamental requirement for the success of your businesses.”
“It powers your fridges, lights your stalls, and keeps your businesses running smoothly. We need to ensure that every market woman has access to this vital resource,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang stated.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by market women, including frequent power outages and high electricity costs, which hinder their operations and profitability.
Given this, she assured the attendees that she is advocating for policies and investments that will improve the energy infrastructure, specifically targeting the needs of SMEs and market traders.
The conference also featured various workshops and training sessions aimed at equipping market women with skills to maximize the benefits of improved power supply. Topics included energy efficiency, cost-saving measures, and the use of alternative energy sources like solar power.
The National Market Women’s Conference is an annual event that brings together market traders from across the country to discuss issues affecting their trade and explore opportunities for growth and development. This year’s conference was held in the Efutu constituency.
In her meeting with traders at the Winneba market in the Central Region, last Friday, she said “You are the reason we are coming back to government to rescue this country from collapse. Our development plan is to ensure that you benefit from good governance.”
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s speech resonated with many attendees, who shared their experiences of the detrimental effects of unreliable electricity on their businesses.
The government has been making strides in improving the national power grid, with recent projects aimed at expanding capacity and reducing outages. However, market women are calling for more targeted interventions to address their specific needs.
