The running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, successfully resolved a leadership crisis at the Dome Market in Accra, eliciting jubilation from hundreds of market women.
A longstanding dispute within the Dome Market Traders Association had resulted in a schism in the market’s leadership, with one faction led by Madam Evelyn Abena Sebie and the other by Madam Felicia Karley Amui, both claiming the mantle of the legitimate market queen.
During a gathering of traders to welcome Prof. Opoku-Agyemang to the Dome Market in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency on Monday, as part of her market tour in the Greater Accra region, the two market queens publicly asserted their leadership claims, exchanging accusations and creating tensions in the market.
However, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang promptly intervened, urging them to reconcile and not let their differences impede the market’s progress. Positioned between them on stage, the two market queens reconciled, shaking hands and embracing to signify the end of their standoff, sparking jubilation throughout the market.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed her gratitude for their resolution and pledged to return for further discussions to address any remaining issues. “In these challenging times, we should not be divided. Let us unite against adversity and underdevelopment,” she advised the traders.
Speaking on the poor condition of the market, she reassured the traders that the NDC was committed to revitalizing the market under its forthcoming administration. “We will ensure the comprehensive development of this market to enhance its trading environment,” she affirmed.
Beyond the NDC’s market redevelopment plans nationwide, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang promised additional support for traders and small to medium enterprises, including the proposed establishment of the Women’s Development Bank to offer essential microfinance services for women’s businesses.
She empathized with the traders and Ghanaians at large, attributing the economic hardships to the mismanagement of the economy by the NPP government and promising relief under the NDC administration.
“We have tasted both waters and alcohol, allowing us to distinguish the difference,” she remarked, comparing the experiences under the NDC and NPP governments, asserting the NDC’s superior performance.
Encouraging the traders to vote overwhelmingly for the NDC, she emphasized that a vote for the NDC was a vote for progress and development.
“Our objective is development,” she reiterated, emphasizing the NDC’s commitment to inclusive governance and unbiased resource distribution for development.
Following her visit to the Dome Market, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang proceeded to the Kwabenya lorry station, addressing a multitude of commercial drivers, commuters, traders, and residents, assuring them of improved living standards under the future NDC administration.