Minority Leader in Parliament Osahen Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to credit the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for recent economic gains touted in the 2026 State of the National Address (SONA) in the Legislature.
Osahen Afenyo-Markin who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu pointed out that policies spearheaded by former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia laid the foundation for some of the improved economic indicators cited by President John Dramani Mahama in the SONA.
The Minority Leader specifically cited the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and Gold-for-Reserves policy, which were conceptualised by Dr Bawumia to stimulate the rebound of Ghana’s economy.
Speaking after President Mahama’s SONA, Osahen Afenyo-Markin insisted credit must be given where it is due.
“Our elders say give credit where it is due. The Gold-for-Reserves policy they are talking about, the Bawumia they attacked, is the brainchild of this policy. I want to urge the government to give to Bawumia what belongs to Bawumia,” the Minority Leader urged.
In his address to Parliament, President Mahama highlighted growth in GDP, a primary surplus of 2.6 per cent and a fiscal deficit of 3.1 per cent, attributing the gains to prudent management of the economy and reduced borrowing.
However, Osahen Afenyo-Markin maintained that President Mahama failed to give credit to the previous government that laid the foundation for these gains.
“The gold buffers that provided confidence, the framework that steadied the currency, and the foundation that made today’s stability possible were already in place before 2025.
“In 2024, GDP had crossed one trillion cedis for the first time, and growth stood at 5.7%. Over 30 tonnes of gold had been accumulated.
“The groundwork was done; the plane had already taken off, Mr President. This government simply walked into a prepared room and is now taking a bow. There is nothing wrong with continuing a good policy. But let us be honest enough to give credit where it is due,” Osahen Afenyo-Markin later posted on his Facebook timeline.
The fiscal space the Mahama administration currently enjoys, he added, was also created through the painful sacrifices of bondholders and the difficult reforms undertaken by the previous NPP administration.
Economic challenges
Osahen Afenyo-Markin highlighted critical issues of national concern such as soaring electricity tariffs, youth unemployment, the welfare of cocoa farmers, illegal mining, and alleged irregularities in government contracts.
“What the President failed to tell the people of Ghana is that one year into government, he is still acting with slogans and no concrete actions. Electricity tariffs have skyrocketed, and Ghanaians cannot afford electricity,” he said.
Mass dismissal
The Minority Leader accused the government of dismissing thousands of Ghanaian youth through letters issued by the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah.
He also warned of a potential scandal in the recruitment of security personnel, promising that the minority will demand full accountability.
“As we speak, there is a scandal looming in security services recruitment. We know who brought that company to the ministry. Karma has a way, and we, the minority, will pursue the person and ensure full disclosure,” he stated.
Cocoa sector crisis
Osahen Afenyo-Markin criticised the government’s treatment of cocoa farmers, noting that reductions in producer prices from GHC3,625 to GHC2,587 per bag of cocoa have brought untold hardships to the farmers.
He questioned the administration’s emphasis on macroeconomic indicators while neglecting the welfare of farmers.
“Mr Speaker, the cocoa farmers, their producer price has been reduced, and Eric Opoku cannot be found. They don’t care about cocoa farmers, yet they are here talking about inflation and macroeconomics,” he said.
Galamsey menace
Touching specifically on illegal mining popularly referred to as ‘galamsey’ the Minority Leader argued government is not doing enough to fight the menace.
“Mr Speaker, galamsey continues to cause suffering for Ghanaians, and we expect concrete measures to be taken,” he emphasised.
