Kumasi Market Queens 'slaps' Mahama with NPP Free SHS

Queen Mothers representing various markets in Kumasi have expressed their strong support for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the country prepares for the upcoming general elections. The market leaders highlighted the significant improvements in their communities, crediting government policies such as the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program for transforming the lives of many Ghanaians and paving the way for a brighter future.

This endorsement came during a visit by the Member of Parliament for Bantama and Ghana’s Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, who met with the Queen Mothers to inform them of the upcoming campaign visit by Vice President and NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Speaking on behalf of the market women, Nana Yaa Fowaa, the Queen Mother of Central Market, commended the government for its impactful projects over the past eight years. She specifically mentioned key developments in road infrastructure, healthcare, digitalization, and the landmark Free SHS program, which she said has had a transformative effect on the community.

"Long gone are the days when we had to sell our valuables, even our clothes, to pay school fees for our children. The Free SHS program has lifted a heavy burden off our shoulders, providing much-needed financial relief and unlocking new opportunities for our children," Nana Yaa Fowaa said.

She also shared her personal experience of the power outages that plagued the community before 2017. "I used to call home to check if there was electricity before heading back," she recalled. "Today, thanks to the government's visionary leadership, we no longer face those constant blackouts," she added, expressing gratitude for the stability that has now become the norm in her community.

Encouraged by these successes and other NPP-led initiatives, the market women pledged to rally behind the NPP in the December elections. They vowed to close the market on December 7, 2024, to ensure a strong voter turnout in support of the government’s development agenda. Their declaration was a resounding endorsement of the NPP’s vision for continued progress and prosperity.

With the backing of influential community leaders such as the Queen Mothers, the NPP looks set to strengthen its support base as it heads into the final stretch of the campaign season.