Former President John Dramani Mahama, also the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 elections, is scheduled to connect with artisans in the Lower Manya Krobo Constituency.
The visit is set to take place on Tuesday, January 30th, at Saint Martin's Parish Hall in Agormanya in the Eastern Region, bringing together both the public, party members from Yilo Krobo, Asuogyaman, and other areas, as well as NDC executives at all levels.
Mr. Felix Amanor, the Lower Manya NDC constituency secretary, shared the purpose of the visit, stating, “The former President's visit aims to engage various artisans, including dressmakers, bead producers, barbers, and drivers.” The goal is for Mr. Mahama to gain a firsthand understanding of their challenges and collaboratively brainstorm towards finding solutions to improve their quality of life.
Highlighting the importance of addressing the challenges faced by artisans and developing effective policies to support them if re-elected, Mr. Amanor commended the former President for choosing to personally engage with the grassroots-level craftsmen and women.
Community members acknowledged Mr. Mahama's deep dedication to bolstering the local artisan community, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the economy. Anticipation is building as the artisans view this visit as a valuable chance to express their concerns and find solutions to the obstacles they encounter.
Mr. Jonathan Akwetey, a motorist, expressed his expectation for the former president's speech to focus on the construction of the 11-kilometre Somanya-Kpong route. He highlighted the risks posed by current routes in the Krobo enclave to commercial enterprises and public transportation, emphasizing concerns about the financial impact on vehicle repairs and families.
To support sustainable livelihoods, Mr. Akwetey advocated for reduced fuel, petrol, and electricity prices, along with other tax reductions. Ms. Teiko Tetteh, a bead trader, hoped that Mr. Mahama could help raise awareness about African beads in the Western world, believing it would contribute to cultural appreciation, tourism, and Ghana's development.
Mr. Joshua Tetteh, a cement seller, expressed his prayer for the former President to address the construction of a cement factory in the Krobo areas to make cement products more affordable. He highlighted the potential impact on tackling youth unemployment, emphasizing the need to utilize the local resources for production rather than transporting raw materials to other locations.