Dr. Bawumia addressing the crowd at the Kaneshie Market
Vice President Bawumia has declared his intentions to set up a Women’s Trade Empowerment Fund (WoTEF) and a Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME) bank to ensure easy access to funding for traders.
He believes funding is a major problem facing traders and Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
The WoTEF he announced, will be instrumental in providing financial assistance, training, and market access to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
According to him, WoTEF will be a multi-faceted initiative designed to address the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face, including limited access to capital, mentorship, and networks.
He gave the assurance when he took his campaign tour of the Greater Accra region to Kwame Nkrumah circle and Kaneshie market in the Okaikwei South Constituency.
At a meeting with religious leaders, community leaders and chiefs, Dr. Bawumia who is the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate in the upcoming December 7 general elections explained his vision for the nation.
He combed through homes, street corners and market sheds during the ‘Meet-and-Greet’ sessions to shake hands with the ordinary people, amid cheers and chants of ‘It Is Possible‘.
Dr. Bawumia reiterated his resolve to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians if he assumes power in 2025 through various innovative interventions.
He talked of plans to roll out the Credit Scoring System to ensure access to affordable loans, duty free on mobile phones, new tax regime at the port and tax amnesty in 2025.
“The NPP government is proposing a new initiative to support business men and women. We want to support you. We are aware your biggest challenge is funding. Is that not so?… You need funding to boost your businesses. Without funding, you’re unable to promote your trade…so, we are proposing policies, including the Women’s Trade Empowerment Fund to support women and businesses,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
“Selfless Leadership, Bold Solutions for Our Future” was the theme for the constituency-focused campaign tour.
Dr. Bawumia also dropped the hint that Ghana will soon import electric buses for use as public transportation soon.
At a stakeholders’ engagement, the Vice President said the piloting of the electric bus system will commence in Accra before the end of 2024.
The decision forms part of a major policy to ensuring that the country gets an accessible and affordable means of transportation for the public.
As a seasoned economist and advocate for digital transformation, Dr. Bawumia has consistently emphasised the need for inclusive policies that leave no one behind.
His focus on women’s economic empowerment is part of a larger vision to create opportunities for all, regardless of gender, location, or social status.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent