Komenda: Residents of Komenda, the hometown of Ghana's first ever female Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, are expecting massive transformation in the community following her historic accomplishment. A palpable aura of pride, joy, and gratification envelopes the ancient town as one of their own ascends to the high office of the Vice President on Tuesday, January 07, 2025, a watershed moment in Ghana's political history, especially for women.
According to Ghana News Agency, a feeling of neglect and a state of underdevelopment for decades fuel their thirst and anticipation for change, and the Professor's reputation of visiting home often and supporting her people is a major source of hope for them. Bad roads and the lack of employment opportunities remain their major challenges, as observed during a visit to the town.
The journey to Komenda highlighted the state of the major road leading to the town, which has been graded but shows no visible signs of immediate continuation. Thick dust covers the road completely with the passing of every car, posing severe health risks and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The comatose Komenda Sugar Factory, originally intended to improve the unemployment situation and boost the local economy, remains under lock and key, gasping for revival. Residents express their belief in Professor Opoku-Agyemang as a savior, hoping the time for a new Komenda has arrived.
At her family house, elated family members of the Vice President spoke highly of her love for humanity, extolling her affability and generosity. Auntie Yaaya, a niece, attested to her unchanging humility and gratitude to God for blessing the family with the Professor. Mr. Kwame Anawe, a brother, praised her frequent visits and wholehearted support for the family and community.
'We thank President Mahama for honoring our sister and making her the running mate even when many people were against the idea. The entire family feels honored, and now I can brag about having such a great person in my family,' he said. Madam Mercy Nketsiah, a sister, expressed confidence that with her empathy as a woman, things will become easier for every citizen.
Some residents expressed their excitement but also emphasized their challenges, which motivated them to vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Komenda Oman Okyeame, Panyin Kofi Essuon, highlighted the revival of the Komenda Sugar Factory as the utmost priority of the community, appealing to Vice President Professor Opoku-Agyemang to resurrect it.
He lamented the poor condition of town roads and called on the new government to fix them, relying on the Vice President's influence. 'We also need them to reduce the prices of fuel to alleviate the burden on our fishers,' he said. Mr. Ezekiel Annan, a leader at the Komenda Market, praised Prof Opoku-Agyemang for her dedication and commitment, reiterating the urgent need to revive the Komenda Sugar Factory.
He appealed to the new government to fulfill the promise of setting up a women's bank, which most market traders were convinced by. He also called for the abolition of certain 'obnoxious taxes' such as the E-levy and Covid-19 tax. Madam Theodora Amonoo, a bofrot (Ghanaian doughnut) seller, hoped the operation of the sugar factory would boost her business.
Madam Judith Biney, a trader at the Komenda Market, praised Prof Opoku-Agyemang for her support to the town both in and out of government, noting her contributions to schools and the Komenda night market. However, she stressed that the promise to set up a women's bank prompted traders to vote in large numbers, reminding the Vice President to help fulfill that pledge.
