Women's groups in Upper East region pledge support for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang

Women's groups and associations in the Upper East region have pledged to support Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), to win this year's presidential polls in December.

They however entreated her not to forget about them when eventually the NDC wins power come December 2020 because they believe that just like a mother will never forget about her children in times of need, Prof Opoku-Agyemang will also not forget about them.

The groups made the pledge when the NDC running mate met them at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall at Bolgatanga on Saturday, August 15, 2020 as part of her two-day visit to the Region.

Her visit was to show appreciation to the people of the region and also to get a feedback from them on the critical issues that required urgent attention in the next NDC government.

The groups include the Zongo Community Ladies, the Upper East Region branch of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, Bolgatanga Foodstuff Sellers Association, Sumasum Weavers Association at Bolgatanga, the Regional branch of the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association, Women for Women Leadership Association at Bolgatanga and the John Mahama(JM) Ladies group.

The Zongo Community Women's Organizer, Ms Efia Akazorloba, the Women's Organizer of the Food Stuff Sellers Association, Ms Juliana Akugre and the Vice Chairperson of the Sumasum Weavers Association, Ms Patience Atinga were among some of the women who spoke on behalf of the women's groups and associations.

Needs

They among other things entreated the NDC running mate to ensure that when the party comes to power Prof Opoku-Agyemang would impress upon the leadership to support the women with skills training and equipment to be able to establish their respective businesses.

They also told her to make it possible for their fellow women and girls to be given the necessary training and support to prevent them from engaging in the Kayayei business.

According to them, most of the girls in the Kayayei business who are from the North eventually end up being pregnant. This they noted is because they dropped out of school as a result of poverty in order to engage in the trade to fend for themselves.

Reaction

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said she was excited about the overwhelming support she  got from the women and pledged her commitment to bring them on board saying “how can I forget about you but I am sure you are saying that because of previous experiences; please let us work together".

According to her she had heard of their respective concerns and that she will ensure that it is factored into “our Central plan of activities".

Prof Opoku-Agyemang is expected to later pay courtesy calls on Paga Pio, Charles Awamampaga and the Navro-pio, Pe Denis Balinia Adda ll  as well as engage traders at the Navrongo  market.

She is also expected to visit the people of Wiaga and Kanjarga in the Builsa North and South Districts respectively to end her visit.

The NDC Running mate is being accompanied on the tour by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu in the Volta Region, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Mr Isaac Adongo and the Deputy National Campaign Manager of the NDC, Mr Alex Segbefia among other party functionaries.