In a passionate address on the floor of Parliament, the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticized the establishment and activities of the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) committee.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin was unequivocal in his assertion on the legalities of the ORAL committee. He vehemently stated;
“That so-called committee, claiming to be going after loot, must be cautioned, that committee is unconstitutional and illegal.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader
He argued that the committee’s operations bypass established state institutions that are mandated to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption and mismanagement. He added;
“I pray that my respected colleague Dr. Ayini, after taking office, will review the activities of this illegal, unconstitutional body, bring things to order, and allow the state institutions cloth with the mandate to investigate, to follow due process, investigate, and prosecute if necessary.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader
This statement indicates Afenyo-Markin’s belief in the importance of adhering to due process and the rule of law, emphasizing that state institutions should be the ones to conduct investigations.
Afenyo-Markin warned about the potential harm ORAL’s approach could have on the governance of the country.
“The way this ORAL is going, it will not help the course of our democracy. Today, you are in government, tomorrow you’ll be in opposition. Do unto others as in all situations, you wish them to do unto you.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader
He further urged the ruling party to learn from past mistakes and avoid perpetuating any unlawful actions. Hon. Afenyo-Markin called on all political actors to act with integrity and ”pursue justice for all Ghanaians.”
Through his address, Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed the need for constitutionally grounded governance, emphasizing that actions taken in the name of justice must respect legal and democratic principles.
Minority Expectations, Parliamentary Approval of Finance Minister-Designate
Moreover, the minority leader assured the minority’s expectations from Dr. Ato Cassiel Forson the Finance Minister – Designate. He emphasized;
“Mr. Speaker, first on our respected colleague the majority leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson; He distinguished himself. The next few questions were asked him [and] he explained to the best of his ability.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader
Despite this, Hon. Afenyo-Markin highlighted that the minority had anticipated more direct responses. He Reiterated;
“Of course, there were clear commitments that our side, the minority, expected from him regarding some promises that his party made in its manifesto. This we expected him to have given us clear straightforward answers.”
“Mr. Speaker, this house will hold his feet to the fire. By demanding answers from him even as he assumes that high office.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader
He noted an issue with the designation of Dr. Ato Forson pointing out a discrepancy between the Executive Instrument and the letter sent to the house. He sated;
‘’The executive instrument establishing the ministry talked about ministry of finance and economic planning. Whereas the letter to us referred to him as the minister of finance designate. So, I believe that, that is a matter that has to be done because it’s a constitutional matter. I believe the president may have to look at.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader
Addressing the promises made by the government regarding tax reforms, Hon. Afenyo-Markin expressed the minority’s expectations. He reaffirmed;
“Mr. Speaker, this government has made a lot of promises. That it is going to repeal some taxes at our ports. You know, those port taxes have not been repealed. But we can understand. Because they don’t have a Minister of Finance. We can understand that because they have not presented the affairs budget. But at least we expect them to make a public commitment.”
“Importers are anxious. They are expectant, they want to see levies reduced. They want to see taxes that you call obnoxious taxes repealed. You promised them great reliefs. Those importers are expectant.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader
Concerns About Private Sector Support
Furthermore, Hon. Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about the government’s One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, particularly the need for proper oversight. He emphasized;
“The unimportant support for the private sector 1D1F, we asked the minister why in opposition he did not support the 1D1F; his views were to the effect that these exemptions when given are often abused. But Mr. Speaker, merely saying that the exemptions are abused is not enough.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader
He insisted on the importance of fostering a thriving private sector through strategic tax waivers. He emphasized;
“What is important is for government to put in place measures to ensure that those who benefit, use these benefits for the good of industry – giving or granting exemption to the private sector is something that must happen. It must be done. You can’t continue to over tax the private sector.”
The minority leader also scrutinized the government’s “Big Push” agenda, emphasizing the need for clear definitions and targeted actions. He charged;
“Their so-called big push was again re-echoed by my respected colleague at vetting. Again, we are holding him to the commitment he’s made. Mr. Speaker for the first time, he defined the 24-hour economy. All these months that they were talking about, 24-hour economy, there was total confusion. Now [he] says that the 24-hour economy is only going to look at the real sector of our economy.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader
“Going to manage an economy is no joke. We can only pray for him, Wish him well, Pray that he works with the team there, consults more and be firm in his own approach to things.” He concluded.
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