Minority Leader lambasts Mahama-led government over 120-day record

Mr. Afenyo-Markin Addresses the Media at Party Headquarters

The Minority in Parliament has criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s first 120 days in office. They call his “reset” agenda a dangerous return to misgovernance and political persecution.

At a press briefing on May 8, 2025, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed strong disapproval. He accused the government of failing in jobs, energy, the economy, and rule of law.

“What Ghanaians see is not a reset; it is a RELAPSE,” he stated. He described the administration as overwhelmed by its own deception.

Afenyo-Markin noted that President Mahama promised bold reforms but delivered “populism without policy.” He criticized the government for broken promises and mass dismissals.

Broken Promises and Mass Dismissals

The administration began by firing thousands of public servants. This included nurses, teachers, and emergency sector workers.

“These were professionals whose only crime was serving under the previous government,” he said.

The Minority also criticized the “1-3-3” shift model of the 24-hour economy policy. They questioned how a government could promise productivity while laying off workers.

“You cannot sack people and then claim you want a 24-hour economy,” Afenyo-Markin said. He called this hypocrisy and cruelty.

Military Purge and Political Witch-Hunts

Afenyo-Markin condemned the politicization of the military after recent dismissals. The Chief of Defence Staff, all service chiefs, and many senior officers were removed.

He warned that these actions undermine national security and weaken institutional memory.

“This administration has sacrificed experience for partisanship,” he noted.

He accused the government of using state security to intimidate political opponents. Armed raids on former officials’ homes exemplify this tactic.

Return of Dumsor and Rising Costs

On economic issues, Afenyo-Markin warned that Ghana is regressing again. Erratic power supply known as “Dumsor” has returned without any load-shedding timetable.

Recent hikes in electricity (14.75%) and water tariffs (4.02%) have worsened public frustration.

“This is from the same man who claimed he ended Dumsor,” he stated angrily.

“How do you promise a 24-hour economy when you can’t keep the lights on?” he asked.

The Minority also criticized what they called artificial economic gains driven by external factors rather than sound policies.

Galamsey, Education, and Hypocrisy

Regarding illegal mining (galamsey), Afenyo-Markin said conditions have worsened under NDC leadership. “Galamsey has intensified with selective enforcement for party-affiliated miners.”

He highlighted failed social interventions like unpaid fees for first-year tertiary students with disabilities.

“Not one student has had their fees paid; it was all lies to get votes,” he asserted.

Judiciary Under Siege

A worrying accusation came next: that the executive is trying to capture the judiciary. The sudden nomination of seven new justices to the Supreme Court raised alarms among them.

They alleged this move aims to pack courts for a potential third Mahama term.

“From manipulating judges to intimidating opponents—this isn’t governance; it’s domination,” Afenyo-Markin warned.

“Ghanaians deserve better than this pain brought by broken promises,” he concluded.

“The time for theatrics is over; we need serious governance now.”