Market women at the Kumasi Central Market have publicly declared their support for National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Mahama and the NDC party.
The announcement was made by the market queen mother, Nana Akosua Pokua, during the official launch of the NDC
women’s manifesto in Kumasi.
She said the decision reflects the collective sentiment of the market women in the central market.
Nana Akosua Pokua said their support for Mr. Mahama is rooted in his decision to select a female running mate, which she described as a recognition of the value of women in governance.
“For us, your decision to select a woman as your running mate shows that women are valuable. We assure you that market women in the Ashanti region have declared our 100% support for you, John Mahama, and your NDC party. We believe and trust Mahama to deliver,” she affirmed.
Additionally, the market women offered a public apology to Mr. Mahama for their previous loyalty to the NPP.
“We are here to apologize to you, Mr. John Mahama. We beg you to forgive us. As market women in the Ashanti region, the only political party we have known is the NPP. We were told NPP is our own, and we ignored all the infrastructure development you did for the Ashanti Region,” she stated.
Nana Akosua Pokua also lamented the challenges faced by market women under the current NPP administration, noting that many vendors have been pushed outside the ultramodern Kejetia market complex, which was constructed during Mahama’s tenure.
“Today market women are selling outside, while others have taken over the Kejetia market from us. We feel let down by the NPP,” she said.
The queen mother urged John Mahama to embrace the market women, stating, “Please forgive us and receive us.”
The words from the market queen mother was received with applause from fellow market women and participants at the event, indicating a shift in their political engagement.
Story By: Emmanuel Coffie
