Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Criticises Mahama’s 2026 SONA: “Slogans with No Action” as Economy Struggles, Galamsey Persists
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin has sharply criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), accusing the government of relying on “slogans with no action” one year into its term.
Responding to the President’s address delivered earlier today, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leader described the speech as lacking concrete solutions to the pressing economic hardships facing Ghanaians.
Key Criticisms from Afenyo-Markin
Electricity Tariffs and Cost of Living He highlighted the “skyrocketing” cost of electricity, stating that recent tariff increases have made power unaffordable for ordinary households and businesses. “What practical measures have been taken to ease the burden?” he asked, questioning the government’s failure to provide meaningful relief amid rising living costs.
Mass Dismissals of Young Ghanaians The Minority Leader alleged that thousands of young people have been dismissed from public sector jobs through letters issued by the Chief of Staff’s office. He described the terminations as arbitrary and damaging to youth employment prospects, demanding full disclosure and reversal where unjustified.
Security Sector Recruitment Scandal Afenyo-Markin raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities in recruitment into the security services, specifically mentioning the involvement of a company called Trybe Net. “We know who brought that company to the Ministry. Karma has a way, and the Minority will pursue the person and make sure there is full disclosure,” he warned, vowing to demand transparency and accountability on the matter.
Cocoa Sector Challenges He criticised the recent reduction in cocoa producer prices, expressing worry over its impact on farmers and questioning why the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has been absent from key discussions on the sector’s future.
Persistent Galamsey Menace The Minority Leader accused the government of failing to decisively end illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), which continues to devastate farmlands, water bodies, and communities despite repeated assurances of crackdowns.
Minority’s Stance
Afenyo-Markin assured Ghanaians that the Minority Caucus will rigorously pursue accountability on all the issues raised. “We will ensure the government provides answers to the Ghanaian people,” he stated, signalling that the opposition intends to use parliamentary oversight tools — including questions, investigations, and debates — to demand transparency and results.
The response reflects deepening partisan divisions following the SONA, with the Minority framing the government’s first-year record as heavy on rhetoric but light on tangible delivery, especially on cost-of-living relief, youth employment, cocoa viability, and environmental security.
The Majority is expected to counter these criticisms in subsequent parliamentary sessions, defending the administration’s macroeconomic gains, job creation figures, and ongoing structural reforms as evidence of steady progress.
The full parliamentary debate on the SONA continues tomorrow, with both sides expected to present detailed rebuttals and policy alternatives. Public attention remains focused on how these exchanges will shape legislative priorities and public perceptions ahead of the 2028 elections.
