Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the government of prioritizing political retribution over economic growth and job creation and warned persecution will not break the spirit of the opposition.
In a scathing critique of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, Afenyo-Markin questioned the government’s economic policies, employment strategies, and commitment to good governance as he concluded the Minority’s debate on the budget on Tuesday.
“All you know is persecution, persecution, persecution. All you know is arrest, arrest, arrest. But I want to assure you that we in the NPP and the Minority will walk through this valley of the shadow of death; we will not fear any evil,” he stated.
He warned the ruling administration that power is temporary, likening their authority to an “ice block” melting since their inauguration.
The Minority Leader criticized the government’s failure to create employment opportunities, particularly questioning the absence of the much-publicized 24-hour economy policy in the budget.
“You said you were going to create a 24-hour economy. But when the President came to this House, he said it would be in a better state. Now, it has vanished from the 2025 budget. So, what should Ghanaians expect?” he questioned.
He emphasized that Ghanaian youth are suffering due to mass layoffs and a lack of job opportunities.
Afenyo-Markin also accused the government of stifling private sector growth by failing to allocate sufficient resources for businesses.
“The economy can only grow when there is a thriving private sector. Yet, all we see is the cancellation of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative,” he lamented.
The Minority Leader expressed disappointment over the lack of infrastructure development, particularly in road construction, noting that only one significant project is being undertaken.
Turning his attention to healthcare and agriculture, he criticized the government’s failure to allocate adequate funds to crucial projects like the Agenda 111 hospitals and agricultural development.
“Instead of allocating resources to complete hospital projects, you are here lamenting. Meanwhile, the Office of Government Machinery has been allocated GH₵2.7 billion, yet agriculture receives far less than what was promised,” he argued.
He stressed the struggles of farmers in the Bono, Oti, and Savannah regions, who, according to him, receive little to no government support.
Afenyo-Markin urged the government to uphold democratic principles and focus on delivering on its campaign promises.
“This is a country of rule of law, so if there are legal issues, one must go to court. Use the judiciary, not media trials and political intimidation,” he advised.
He assured the Minority and their supporters that, despite the challenges, they would continue to hold the government accountable and prepare to reclaim power in the 2028 elections.
“We will come back stronger and defeat you in 2028. This administration has only one term, and we thank God for that,” he stated.