Osahen Drops Bombshell: Mahama Is Sacking Professionals … And Replacing Them With Party Loyalists

**Osahen Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader**

Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin is the Minority Leader in Parliament. He has accused the John Mahama government of unfairly terminating appointments. He claims they are replacing professionals with party loyalists.

"In less than three months in office, all we hear is ‘sack them,’" he said. He made these comments during a debate on the 2025 budget on March 25, 2025.

Afenyo-Markin believes dismissals target those without National Democratic Congress (NDC) party cards. This creates "a Ghana for NDC and a Ghana for others." He questioned why only one minister has avoided mass dismissals so far.

He stated, "Since when did employment after December 7 become irregular?" He emphasized that the minority supports accountability but opposes human rights abuses.

He warned the NDC to maximize their first term in office. "The power you have today is like an ice block," he noted. It will melt as elections approach, so they should use it wisely.

**Budget Concerns**

Afenyo-Markin challenged the NDC's claim of inheriting a crisis economy. He cited key economic indicators at transition: a GDP growth rate of 5.7%, agriculture at 2.8%, industry at 7.3%, and services at 5.9%.

"If they have nothing to offer, they should not discredit the NPP administration," he insisted. He expressed disappointment that the budget ignored previous efforts to sustain growth, calling it “an absurd budget” lacking vision.

**24-Hour Economy Policy**

He criticized the NDC’s promised 24-hour economy policy for not appearing in the budget. President Mahama had assured that it would be prioritized.

"When he came here, he promised us this would be in his budget," Afenyo-Markin said angrily. Now Dr. Ato Forson says it will come later, which he views as misleading.

**Free SHS Concerns**

Afenyo-Markin raised issues about education management under the NDC government, especially regarding Free SHS policy oversight by GETFund instead of the Education Ministry.

"Oh, Haruna Iddrisu, what have they given you?" he sarcastically asked about the Minister of Education's lack of resources and authority over educational policies.

**The ‘Big Push’ and Infrastructure Allocation**

He scrutinized the NDC's 'Big Push' infrastructure agenda promising $10 billion investment in national projects. However, he pointed out that only GH¢13 billion (about $800 million) was allocated for infrastructure in the 2025 Budget.

"You promised $10 billion," he mocked, questioning how such figures could add up over four years if divided evenly.

He also criticized health infrastructure management under the current administration. Instead of completing Agenda 111 hospital projects from the previous government, Afenyo-Markin claimed they are merely lamenting about health issues.

"The health infrastructure is critical," he stressed. "Instead of allocating resources to complete Agenda 111, you are here lamenting!"