The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), Hon. Alfred Allotey Gaisie have joined forces to serve a free dinner to head porters, popularly known as Kayayei, at Tudu as part of activities marking this year’s Homowo festivities.

The beneficiaries from Tudu and adjoining parts of the Central Business District were treated to packaged meals comprising rice, stew, meat, and fresh salad, accompanied by bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages, on Sunday night in a gesture aimed at sharing the spirit of Homowo.

During the exercise, the Mayor also singled out women carrying or caring for young children and gave them cash to support their feeding needs.

Engaging the head porters, Hon. Allotey said the gesture was an indication that President John Dramani Mahama had them in mind and remained concerned about their welfare and economic well-being.

He explained that, beyond providing food during the festive season, the government was implementing a number of social and economic interventions aimed at equipping young people, women, and vulnerable groups with skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The Mayor cited the National Apprenticeship Programme, the Adwumawura Programme and other youth employment and entrepreneurship initiatives as interventions through which young people, including head porters could transition into skilled occupations and small businesses to improve their livelihoods

The Mayor also urged them to keep their environment clean, maintain peaceful relations within their communities, and take advantage of opportunities being created by the government to improve their condition.

The KoKMA MCE, for his part, said the welfare of vulnerable residents required collective action and expressed the commitment of the two Assemblies to supporting initiatives that promoted inclusion and social wellbeing.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the meals and support, with several of them welcoming the opportunity to participate in the Homowo festivities.