In the wake of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation Address, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Majority Leader delivered a spirited statement extolling the achievements of the NPP government.
The Member of Parliament for Effutu constituency, however, challenged the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to deliver on its promises which culminated into the party’s historic victory in the December 7 2024 general elections.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Afenyo-Markin framed the President’s tenure as a period marked by resilience, innovative policies, and transformative impacts on Ghana’s socio-economic fabric.
“Today, we are being told democracy has experienced it best under your leadership. Today, we are being told that there is a new hope. That’s no problem. It is supposed to be so. But soon, we will see the true colours of the umbrella.
“Mr Speaker, I would want to say to my colleagues that you are yet to take over. We will be watching you for the next 4 years. And if indeed you have transformed.”
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, Majority Leader and MP for Effutu
The Effutu MP praised the New Patriotic Party administration’s ability to navigate global and local challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying “In spite of the COVID pandemic, all government sector workers were paid. This is a government that kept the lights on.”
He underscored the administration’s commitment to protecting livelihoods and maintaining critical services. “This is a government that came into office and faced major challenges which confronted the world over but demonstrated resilience,” Hon. Afenyo-Markin emphasized.
Free SHS, a Game-Changer
Hon. Afenyo-Markin passionately defended the Akufo-Addo administration’s flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, describing it as a game-changer for countless Ghanaians.
“It took the grace of God for me to complete secondary education because my mom and stepdad could not afford it. I know many Ghanaians who had to stay at home because they couldn’t afford secondary education. Today, all those who could not get Free SHS have benefited from it under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, Majority Leader and MP for Effutu
He further highlighted the government’s investments in technical and vocational training, stressing that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) provided opportunities for many who might otherwise have been left behind. “TVET was implemented to ensure that those placed at the lowest points had the chance to secure technical education,” he noted.
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Afenyo-Markin turned his attention to the NDC, urging them to uphold the standards set by the Akufo-Addo administration in the coming years.
He concluded with a reflective tone, declaring that history and the Ghanaian people would ultimately judge the legacies of both administrations. “Prosperity will be the utmost judge. And I repeat, soon and very soon, the Ghanaian people will see the true colours of this umbrella. I rest my case”, the Majority Leader remarked, ending his statement.
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