Mr Richmond Edem Kofi Kpotosu, Member of Parliament of Ho Central, on Saturday celebrated Valentine’s Day by organising a comprehensive health outreach for women at the Ho Central Market.
The programme, held in collaboration with the Ho Municipal NHIS, provided free medical screenings, medications, and referrals, as well as services for National Health Insurance Scheme registration, renewal and card replacement.
Mr Kpotosu said the initiative was designed to “show love in a meaningful and practical way,” acknowledging the hard work of market women who sustain local commerce.
He noted that Valentine’s Day offered an ideal opportunity to demonstrate compassion through public health support and community engagement, especially for women who often lack time to access healthcare.
The market square buzzed with excitement as health workers in bright uniforms checked vital signs, provided counselling and dispensed medicines from well-arranged kits under temporary service tents.
Queues formed at the NHIS desk where officers attended to card replacements, registrations and renewals, ensuring that no woman was left out of the insurance coverage process.
Market women expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as thoughtful and timely, especially for those who had postponed medical checkups due to financial constraints.
To heighten the festive atmosphere, Mr Kpotosu distributed free chocolates to the women, symbolising love, unity and the importance of community care.
He said the gesture was meant to “bring smiles to the faces of hardworking mothers who keep our markets alive every day.”
The outreach also included practical skills training in the production of liquid soap and bleach, aimed at empowering beneficiaries with alternative income-generating opportunities.
Participants received free samples of the hygiene products after the demonstration, with trainers encouraging the women to adopt the skills for both domestic use and small-scale business ventures.
Mr Kpotosu said he is committed to supporting women in the informal sector, adding that more community-centred programmes would be rolled out to improve livelihoods and enhance access to essential services. GNA
