In a pointed statement, the Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has issued a stern warning to the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, cautioning him against instilling false hopes among his party members regarding the outcome of the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 7th.
During an interview, Afenyo-Markin expressed concern over Asiedu Nketiah’s recent statements suggesting that the NDC could secure a 52% majority in the elections if they were held today. He criticized the NDC chairman for making such predictions prematurely, stating, “How can he say that the NDC would win the elections if they were held today with a 52% margin?” He further questioned the credibility of Asiedu Nketiah’s claims, given the NDC’s previous allegations of election rigging in 2020, which led to a failed petition at the Supreme Court.
“Recently, it has surfaced that the NDC, including their then General Secretary and now National Chairman, Asiedu Nketiah, knew that they had no evidence of any rigging or collusion between the EC and NPP, but went to court. They deceived their party members when they alleged, they had enough evidence to prove their claim. This is what I am talking about that he should not be preparing their minds for victory and when it does not come, then they agitate.”
Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament
Afenyo-Markin highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that despite the lack of substantial evidence to support their claims of electoral fraud, the NDC proceeded with legal action. He warned against the potential consequences of misleading party members with unfounded optimism, advising instead that the focus should remain on the actual electoral process and outcomes.
The Majority Leader further emphasized the importance of awaiting the actual election results on December 7 before making any victory claims. “At this juncture, the NDC should not be creating the impression that they have won the elections already when that can only be determined on December 7. In my view, the ruling party is capable of winning the elections,” he asserted.
Furthermore, addressing the controversy surrounding SSNIT’s decision to divest some of its assets, including hotel properties, Afenyo-Markin called upon the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to provide clear explanations to the public. He emphasized the importance of transparency in such financial decisions, urging SSNIT to communicate the rationale behind these asset sales to ensure public understanding and trust.
The public response to the controversy surrounding SSNIT’s decision to sell off its assets, specifically a 60% stake in four of its hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Ghana’s Food and Agriculture Minister and Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has been mixed and critical.
The media has extensively covered the controversy, with various experts and organizations calling for transparency and questioning the wisdom of the sale. Groups like IMANI have challenged SSNIT to release relevant documents related to the deal, indicating a demand for more openness and scrutiny.
The sale has also drawn political reactions, with some politicians expressing skepticism about the process and the involvement of a minister in the acquisition of state assets. There are calls for legislation to prohibit politicians from acquiring state assets, reflecting broader concerns about conflicts of interest and the integrity of public institutions.
Meanwhile, Leaders of organized labor have called for the cancellation of the deal and threatened industrial action if SSNIT proceeds with the sale. Despite having four representatives on the SSNIT board, organized labor’s influence appears limited due to their minority status on the board. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has faced backlash from its members for not being able to prevent the sale, highlighting the need for greater representation on the board.
This statement comes amid growing concerns over the management of public institutions and the need for accountability in government-related transactions. Afenyo-Markin’s call for transparency from both political parties and public entities underscores the critical role of open communication in fostering public confidence in democratic processes and governance structures.
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