Accra, Oct 5, GNA-Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), the running mate of Mr Alan Kyerematen, leader and Presidential candidate of the Afrafranto Alliance, has vowed to revolutionize the nation’s trading and fishing industries under the Great Transformational Plan (GTP).
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said he said this during the second day of his Caravan Tour, touching on policies that directly affect the lives of traders and fisherfolk in the country.
In a move that has sent waves of excitement among traders, KOD announced the establishment of the Traders Bank, a dedicated financial institution to support business activities for traders. “The Traders Bank will not just be for traders, it will be owned by traders. The government will provide the seed funding, but the traders themselves will be at the helm, managing and directing their own financial future,” he said.
This initiative, according to KOD, would ensure that traders have access to affordable credit facilities to expand their businesses without being crippled by high-interest rates.
Addressing the long-standing issue of premix fuel shortages, KOD did not mince words, promising a complete overhaul of the current distribution system. “The era of frequent fuel shortages and party executives hijacking premix fuel will be over when Mr. Kyerematen becomes president,” he declared.
He highlighted that as a crude oil-producing country, Ghana had the capacity to produce its own premix fuel, ensuring that it was not only available but also affordable for fisherfolk. “Why should we import premix fuel when we have the resources to produce it ourselves? Our government will fix this,” he added.
KOD also condemned the current system where party affiliation determined access to premix fuel, calling it an injustice to hard-working fisherfolk. “Those who are not party members are often neglected when it comes to premix fuel distribution, and that is unacceptable. We will change that. Every fisherfolk will have equal access to premix fuel, regardless of their political stance,” he stated with conviction.
KOD also underscored Alan Kyerematen’s policy of providing outboard motors to fisherfolk on a work-and-pay basis, adding that this would significantly reduce the financial burden on fishermen while improving their productivity. “We will make sure they get the tools they need without being weighed down by upfront costs,” KOD affirmed.
Agriculture was another critical issue KOD addressed, particularly for the KEEA Constituency, which is known for its fruit production. He revealed plans under the GTP’s agriculture revolution to establish a fruit processing factory in the area. “KEEA is blessed with fertile lands for fruit farming, yet the lack of processing factories has left the youth unemployed. Our government will establish a fruit processing factory right here in Elmina, creating jobs and opportunities for the youth,” KOD assured.
In what he termed a groundbreaking policy for the aged, KOD introduced the Ghana Rural Aged Support Programme (GRASP), a new initiative under the GTP aimed at providing financial assistance to the elderly in rural areas. “Our aged men and women have served this country in various capacities, and it is only fair that the nation takes care of them in their twilight years. Under GRASP, every elderly person in rural communities will receive GHS 200 monthly to support their livelihood,” he announced, drawing praise for his deep sense of empathy and care for the vulnerable.
Another highlight of the interview was KOD’s Mother-Child Support Scheme, aimed at supporting parents in raising their children. “Many parents struggle to take care of their newborn babies, often abandoning their dreams and aspirations in the process. The Mother-Child Support Scheme will help parents raise their children up to the age of 15, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial hardship,” KOD explained.
KOD’s message resonated strongly with listeners, as he painted a vivid picture of a future under the leadership of Alan Kyerematen, where traders, fisherfolk, farmers, the elderly, and parents are prioritized. His bold promises and unwavering commitment to the welfare of ordinary Ghanaians have added a new level of excitement to the Afrafranto Alliance’s campaign, which is fast becoming the third force in the nation’s political landscape.
GNA