Afenyo-Markin Rejects Obstruction Claims, Defends Minority’s Role in Parliament
Afenyo- Markin at the Alisa Hotel in Accra through the signing of a peace pact by all five aspirants ahead of the 31st January Presidential Primaries on Jan 22.
Accra, Ghana- Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin rejects claims that the Minority is obstructing Parliament. He says their actions protect taxpayers and ensure accountability in economic governance. At a press briefing on January 26, Afenyo-Markin said scrutiny of government policies, especially tax measures, is not sabotage. The caucus’s position reflects economic realities faced by Ghanaians.
“They speak of accountability, but once claimed an IMF deal was impossible. Now that it yields results, they shift the goalposts,” he said. “It’s easy to call us obstructionists, but our opposition to tax bills is rooted in the reality of the Ghanaian worker. We won’t offer solutions that squeeze people more.”
The Minority Leader also defended the previous administration’s Gold-for-Oil policy, describing it as an initiative that helped stabilize the economy amid fuel supply challenges. “The Gold-for-Oil policy saved this country from a total fuel crisis,” he said. “It was an innovation that stabilized our currency when many predicted doom. Instead of acknowledging this, the current leadership has spent a year trying to find scandals that do not exist.”
Addressing recent tensions and the referral of MPs to the Privileges Committee, Afenyo-Markin called for respect for parliamentary rules. He warned against abusing immunity. “Immunity is not a license for lawlessness,” he said. “We must respect the chair and House rules. Using numbers to bypass procedure threatens democracy more than scrutiny.”
He concluded by outlining the Minority’s focus for 2026, calling it a year of “constructive dissent.”
“Leadership is about building bridges, not burning them,” Afenyo-Markin said. “But we won’t build a bridge back into a debt trap. Our scrutiny protects the public purse, and we’re just getting started.”
The press briefing comes amid ongoing debates in Parliament on economic policy, taxation, and the role of the Minority in developing legislation.
Read Also
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says Boankra Inland Port Phase One is 83% complete as government pushes concessionaire for earlier delivery.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Deputy Communications Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu involved in Bolgatanga–Tumu road accident; both stable.
Two students arrested over Eastern Region rape and stabbing incident; GES bans three senior high schools from sports activities for two years.
Speaker Alban Bagbin directs reintroduction of the anti-LGBTQ bill and dual citizenship amendment as Parliament prepares for renewed debate.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu urges UTAG and senior staff to end strike action, citing GH¢396m paid toward Tier Two pension arrears.
President Mahama swears in APRM Governing Council as Ghana prepares for second-generation peer review at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
KNUST has confirmed the death of a second-year Agribusiness student after he reportedly fell from a hostel in Ayeduase. University authorities say police investigations are ongoing as counselling support is deployed for affected students.
Ghana’s Parliament has passed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, providing legal backing for the NDC’s flagship policy aimed at job creation, industrial revival, and economic transformation.
Ghana’s Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh warns Parliament that rising food prices are pushing the cost of living beyond reach for ordinary households, urging urgent government action.
The Ghana Police Service has issued new guidelines on approved uniforms for private security operators, warning that any attire resembling state security uniforms is illegal and punishable by law.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga explains in Parliament why Ghana’s 24-hour economy requires an authority to coordinate production, labour, and supply chains.
Parliament erupts in heated debate as MPs clash over the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, with sharp exchanges between Majority and Minority members.
President Mahama holds bilateral talks at Zambia’s State House, highlighting historic ties, economic reforms, mining cooperation, and strong diaspora relations.
President Mahama begins official visit to Zambia with visa waiver agreement allowing Ghanaians and Zambians to travel freely, alongside eight cooperation MoUs.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has defended government’s decision to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport amid public debate.
NIA introduces revised charges for Ghana Card registration and related services starting February 2, 2026, citing rising operational costs.
The court has discharged Frederick Kumi, known as Abu Trica, and two others after the state withdrew charges. They were later re-arrested by the Narcotics Control Commission.
Ghana’s Health Minister says the Labour Exchange Programme will reduce the backlog of 80,000 unemployed health professionals as 130 workers depart for Antigua.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says the NPP is holding government accountable, defending its opposition to tax bills and recent actions in Parliament.
Accra commuters face long queues and hours-long waits as severe bus shortages hit major transport hubs including Circle, Kaneshie, Madina and Tema.
Adentan Circuit Court grants influencer “Ebo Noah” GH¢100k bail with two sureties following charges tied to a failed December 25 flood prophecy.
The IGP has promoted 35 police officers for their role in arresting suspects linked to the 2024 Adabraka gold robbery. Police cite professionalism and teamwork.
President Mahama has established a Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy to guide policy reforms, support growth and strengthen economic management.
Ghana signs MoU to produce 30% of school uniforms, furniture and sanitary pads through the Prisons Service, boosting education and inmate rehabilitation.
Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu warns transport operators against illegal fares and artificial scarcity, announcing new measures to protect commuters.
Abdul Rahman Taofiq
Abdul Rahman Taofiq is a Ghanaian journalist , focusing on politics, culture, and diaspora affairs..