The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey has reaffirmed the city's commitment to empowering women and strengthening their access to information, while recognising the immense contribution of women to the economic development of the capital.

According to him, women form the backbone of commercial activity in Accra’s major markets, stressing that empowering them must go beyond recognising their contributions and include deliberate efforts to expand their access to information, opportunities and services that enable them to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Speaking with market women in Accra on Monday  during a working visit to the Central Business District a day after the International Women’s Day was marked, the Mayor praised women across the metropolis, particularly market traders, artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs, for their resilience, hard work and dedication to sustaining the city’s vibrant local economy.

He congratulated women across the metropolis on the occasion of International Women’s Day and commended them for their invaluable contribution to the development of Accra, describing them as pillars of the city’s social and economic progress.

He assured the traders that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) remained committed to strengthening communication and engagement with all market associations and community groups to ensure that women have access to timely and accurate information on public programmes, health and sanitation initiatives, business opportunities and civic responsibilities.

Hon. Allotey indicated that improving women’s access to information was central to inclusive governance, explaining that when women were well informed, they participate in decision-making processes, protect their interests and take advantage of opportunities that support economic advancement.

The Mayor also pointed out that his administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to women’s empowerment through direct engagement with women traders and female-dominated groups across the metropolis.

He cited his interaction with traders at the CMB Market earlier this year, where he acknowledged the crucial role of women in sustaining economic activity in the city and encouraged them to collaborate with the Assembly in maintaining a clean, orderly and safe trading environment.

Hon. Allotey also referenced a revenue mobilisation and sensitisation exercise he personally led at Kantamanto Market, where he engaged market women and traders on the importance of market tolls and explained how internally generated funds support the maintenance of market infrastructure and sanitation services.

The Mayor highlighted a consultative meeting held with the leadership of the Kantamanto Market, where discussions focused on improving services, safety and accessibility within the market.

Hon. Allotey added that the Assembly had also used its public engagements with traders to sensitize them on public health, sanitation and safety issues, including the importance of maintaining hygiene in trading spaces.

The Mayor reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to inclusive urban governance, adding that empowering women through access to information, consultation and support would remain a central pillar of the city’s Reset agenda.

International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8 each year, recognises the achievements of women and promotes gender equality and empowerment. In Accra, the occasion served as an opportunity for the city leadership to acknowledge the transformative role women continue to play in building a resilient and prosperous metropolis.