Traders from the Dome Market in Accra and the Kunsu market in the Ahafo Ano South West district in the Ashanti region, last Friday, simultaneously appealed to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) hierarchy to consider a Bawumia-Akosua Frema Osei-Opare ticket for the upcoming presidential election.
They praised Mrs. Frema Osei-Opare for her contribution to women empowerment and socio-economic activities to grow both the local and national economy.
Chanting refrains of ‘No Frema, No Vote’ the traders at Dome indicated their preference for the Chief of Staff to partner Dr. Mahammud Bawumia.
The over 100 traders explained their declaration and support for the chief administrator at the Jubilee House, in the fact that she exudes grace and competence in attitude and work, which qualities make her best suitable to partner the flag-bearer.
They also referred to the benevolent acts of the Chief of Staff at the Presidency and her contribution to the growth of the party, which has benefitted women, particularly traders, at the various markets across the country.
Madam Angela Asiamah, one of the traders, said the market women and traders have enjoyed social interventions by the government and were convinced that Madam Frema Osei Opare could help the NPP to win a third term in government.
Madam Ama Wiredu, another trader at the market, described the Chief of Staff as competent, caring and sympathetic, and was confident that her candidature would benefit all Ghanaians.
Their support for Madam Frema Osei Opare, Madam Wiredu said, emanates from the setting up of most people, especially traders, in business as well as empowering the youth to become employable, for which they want her named as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate, to ensure a massive NPP victory on December 7.
At Kunsu, the traders pleaded with Dr. Bawumia to consider selecting a female running-mate and clamoured Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare name as their preferred choice.
Mr. Elvis Ofosu Kwartey, a spokesperson for the traders said Mrs. Osei-Opare has a listening ear, motherly love and also is a philanthropist.
She also helps them in their trading activities and has also aided other markets nationwide in dire moments.
Madam Akosua Afrakomaa, another trader, said she believes it is through the benevolence of the Chief of Staff that the Kunsu market could be upgraded.
Madam Afrakomaa noted that it is within the powers of the Chief of Staff to even construct a new market for the people of Kunsu and its surrounding communities, and pleaded with the flagbearer to consider Mrs. Osei-Opare, who is known to have made significant contribution in the rehabilitation of the burnt Race Course market in Kumasi.
“It is high time the female population is sufficiently represented in government to give real meaning to the Affirmative Action Bill, a proposed Legislation that seeks to provide gender parity in Ghanaian politics and increase women’s participation in decision making positions that at least 40% of public offices be reserved for women.
A Unit Committee Member of the Kunsu Electoral Area, Nana Ampadu Obeng Hene, explained that the current state of the Kunsu market, which serves traders from 38 towns within the Ahafo Ano South West District, Kumasi, Tepa and Nkawie makes it necessary for a new market to be built to accommodate traders and save them from the scorching sun and rains.
He said Mrs. Osei-Opare is known to provide a relief for women, particularly traders, to help build a solid social unit for nation building.
