KEY POINTS
- NPP promises tax relief and financial support for market traders.
- A dedicated Women’s Trade Empowerment Fund will be established.
- Traders welcome the government’s efforts on education and power stability.
In the lead-up to the December 7 general elections, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, intensified his campaign efforts by visiting key markets in Accra.
During his tour of Odododiodio, he met with traders at Makola and Okaishie markets, emphasizing the party’s commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and women-led businesses.
Dr. Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, laid out the NPP’s vision, which includes tax reliefs, a simplified flat tax regime, and improvements in power supply. These proposals, particularly the flat tax system, were warmly welcomed by traders, as they directly addressed their concerns over rising business costs.
Commitment to empowering traders
During the market visit, NAPO underscored the NPP’s intention to support traders through a dedicated Women’s Trade Empowerment Fund, which will focus on enhancing access to credit.
“This fund aims to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by small businesses, particularly those owned by women,” he explained to the enthusiastic crowd.
As reported by TV3GH in their post on X, Dr. Prempeh’s message on economic empowerment, which resonates with many voters, was well received by traders who acknowledged the government’s track record, particularly in the areas of education and power stability.
The Free Senior High School policy and the restoration of Nursing and Teacher Training allowances were among the government’s achievements highlighted during the visit.
Addressing financial burdens
Dr. Prempeh reiterated that the next NPP government is committed to creating a more favorable business environment through tax reforms and better access to financial resources. He also stressed the importance of exchange rate stability, which he said would help businesses better plan for the future and stabilize prices.
The traders expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to alleviate their burdens. In addition to tax reliefs and credit access, they noted the minimal increase in tariffs as a positive step toward improving their business operations.
In his closing remarks, NAPO emphasized the importance of supporting local traders and businesses as a means to drive national development.
“We believe that empowering our traders, particularly women, will contribute significantly to the growth of our economy,” he stated. The NPP’s campaign message continues to focus on empowering Ghana’s workforce, with a special focus on traders and SMEs as key drivers of the economy.
