Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Presidential Candidate has promised to launch a Women’s Trade Empowerment Fund to facilitate smoother financial access for female traders.

Departing from traditional banking methods, Bawumia on campaign tour while addressing a gathering at Sankore in Asunafo South Constituency, emphasized that this fund would serve as a more approachable financial tool, crafted to ease the processes that often obstruct women entrepreneurs from accessing much-needed capital.

“Instead of relying on banks with their numerous requirements, this fund would cut through the usual bureaucracy,” Dr. Bawumia shared, emphasizing that all a woman would need to access the fund is her Ghana Card.

The goal is to offer “soft loans,” designed with minimal barriers, thus enabling women traders to grow their businesses without being entangled in complex banking procedures.

Bawumia described the initiative as essential in driving economic independence for Ghanaian women, many of whom manage small-scale enterprises.

“It’s about creating real, sustainable change,” he asserted, clarifying that traditional banks often don’t align with the needs of these traders, citing stringent requirements and prolonged processes as major setbacks.

In his explanation, Dr Bawumia also tied the fund to a larger vision of economic empowerment, particularly for women in regions where trading forms a critical part of community livelihoods.

“This fund will ensure that women, especially in rural areas, are no longer left out,” he noted, drawing applause from his audience.