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0 Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised President John Mahama’s first year in office, accusing the administration of governing with “slogans” and failing to deliver tangible results for struggling Ghanaians.
Speaking in Parliament after the President’s State of the Nation Address on Friday, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the constitutional duty fulfilled by the President but swiftly pivoted to what he described as glaring omissions and failures.
“Mr Speaker, with respect, let me thank you for the opportunity and thank Mr President for living up to this constitutional obligation,” the Minority Leader began. “But, Mr Speaker, what the President failed to tell the people of Ghana is that one year in government, he’s still acting with slogans, no action, can’t afford electricity.”
The Minority Leader painted a picture of an administration disconnected from the daily hardships faced by citizens.
He pointed to the recent dismissal of thousands of young people from state employment.
“Thousands of Ghanaian youth were dismissed through a letter by the Chief of Staff. It’s part of the state of the nation,” Afenyo-Markin stated, suggesting that the mass terminations should have been a key part of the President’s address.
He also raised concerns over the plight of cocoa farmers, accusing the government of abandoning a critical sector of the economy.
“They have reduced producer prices, and Eric Opoku (Agriculture Minister) cannot be found. They don’t care about cocoa farmers, and they are here telling us inflation and macroeconomics. Can we eat macroeconomics?”
Afenyo-Markin concluded his initial remarks by emphasising the continued suffering of the populace.
“Mr Speaker, Ghanaians continue to suffer under this administration, and we expect concrete action to be taken.”
