Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, an aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidacy, has unveiled his economic empowerment plan for women and a strong commitment to advancing gender equality within the party.

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During a gathering with media representatives in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional Capital on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, on the sidelines of his meeting with Electoral Area Coordinators from his campaign team, Dr. Akoto outlined his strategy to tap into the economic potential of women and enhance their active participation within the NPP.

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He acknowledged women as a vital driving force behind a thriving economy and recognized their pivotal role in contributing to the party's success, considering that the 2021 Population and Housing Census data reveals a higher female population in Ghana, with 400,000 more females than males.

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Dr. Akoto aims to leverage this demographic strength and prioritize women's involvement in the party's activities.

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The former Minister of Food and Agriculture, who is also a Cambridge University Scholar, committed to empowering women within the party and addressing the issue of inadequate funding for the women's wing.

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A major focus of Dr. Akoto's plan is the economic empowerment of women, especially those involved in agriculture. Given the significant number of female smallholder farmers in Ghana, he plans to provide them with essential resources, including farming tools, fertilizers, and technological expertise to improve their economic well-being.

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Recognizing the vital roles women play throughout the economic value chain, he intends to enhance institutions like the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) to support these efforts. He emphasized that women play crucial roles in the value chain, including as intermediaries who make substantial contributions to the economy.

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Dr. Akoto expressed his commitment to empowering these women, underlining the profound positive impact such empowerment can have on the nation's economy.

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During his interactions with Electoral Area Coordinators, he emphasized the crucial role of grassroots delegates in selecting the party's presidential candidate. He appealed to their sense of responsibility, urging their support as the candidate who understands the people's needs and offers practical solutions to address their concerns.

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The NPP is set to hold its National Delegates Conference on November 4, 2023, to choose a presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto is the third candidate on the ballot paper and is actively seeking the support of over 210,000 delegates in his quest to lead the NPP and potentially the nation.

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As the election draws nearer, Dr. Akoto's promises to empower women and reform the NPP are likely to be central issues in the party's internal election, which will ultimately determine its direction and leadership for the upcoming national elections.

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