The Minority In Parliament has criticised government’s economic narrative and argued that macroeconomic indicators have failed to translate into improved living conditions for citizens. Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, The Member of Parliament for Effutu and The Minority Leader said policy communication has not matched realities experienced by households, businesses and workers.
Honourable Afenyo-Markin, The Effutu MP, addressing parliamentary proceedings on Wednesday 10th June 2026 stated that economic claims must reflect in everyday life. He stressed that inflation figures, GDP growth and exchange rate stability carry little meaning when cost of living pressures remain high.
“This country is not interested in numbers. If growth figures do not touch the ordinary Ghanaian, then no administration deserves celebration. People must feel policy in their pockets.”
Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin
He probed into the constant increases in utility tariffs and questioned the effectiveness of flagship government programmes. The Effutu MP cited electricity and water price adjustments while pointing to what he described as slow implementation of employment and agriculture initiatives.
“Electricity price tariffs have increased through a deliberate government adjustment to 28%. Water tariffs stand at 19%. Government has so far been unable to implement its flagship programme, One Job Three Shifts. The Women Banking Policy remains in progress and has not been implemented. Government has declined to invest in agriculture and is instead encouraging galamsey.”
Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin
Honourable Afenyo-Markin argued that government communication on economic recovery following the IMF engagement. The Minority Chief Whip indicated that conflicting signals between institutions demonstrate poor coordination in economic management.
He stated that government cancelled the One District One Factory programme without introducing a clear policy alternative to support private sector growth. He questioned the absence of incentives for private sector participation and argued that economic expansion requires stronger collaboration with businesses and industry players.
The Minority Leader challenged government’s record on job creation, asking for evidence of businesses, factories and employment opportunities generated under current economic policies. The Effutu MP indicated that claims of economic progress must be seen in measurable outcomes within the productive sector.
Honourable Afenyo-Markin also alleged that several public sector workers had been dismissed since the assumption of office by the current administration. He referenced institutions including the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Gas and the Maritime Authority as examples of affected agencies.
He also claimed that nearly one thousand young employees at the Ghana Revenue Authority were dismissed under a board chaired by the Deputy Majority Leader. The Effutu MP stated that these developments point to significant job losses across state institutions and called for accountability in public sector employment management.
Government Cohesion Under Scrutiny Amid Policy Implementation Disputes
The Minority In Parliament focused on the internal government cohesion and the implementation of key economic policies including the Gold for Reserves programme. Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin claimed that administrative coordination challenges have weakened policy delivery.
Honourable Afenyo-Markin stated that divisions within government institutions have affected policy consistency and execution. He referenced disagreements between ministries and agencies and suggested that such tensions undermine national development priorities.
“This administration has lost control of its policy direction. Key institutions operate without coordination and economic decisions appear disconnected from each other.”
Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin
He further criticised the management of the Gold for Reserves programme and raised concerns over alleged inefficiencies in its implementation. The Effutu MP argued that adjustments to fees and operational structures reflected responses to earlier warnings raised by the Minority.
Honourable Afenyo-Markin stated that reported financial losses linked to the programme require full accountability. He referenced estimates suggesting significant economic impact and called for transparency in financial management processes.
The Minority Chief Whip also questioned the state of parliamentary cohesion within the governing side. He described internal dynamics as unstable and suggested that legislative strength has not translated into effective governance delivery.
“Just one and a half years and there is already talk about succession plans. The government is speaking about Asiedu Nketia while another side is mentioning other individuals. The Agric Minister wants to be president and some ministers also want to be president. Meanwhile the four years given have not shown sufficient ability to govern effectively and deliver results.”
Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin
Honourable Afenyo-Markin argued that regional development expectations remain unmet and called for equitable distribution of national resources. He mentioned regions including Volta and Central as areas awaiting improved development outcomes.
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