Afenyo-Markin accuses President Mahama of downplaying inherited economic stability

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused President John Mahama of misrepresenting Ghana’s economic situation and failing to acknowledge the stability he inherited from the previous administration.

Speaking after Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Mr Afenyo-Markin criticised the president for presenting the country’s economic challenges as if they were new.

He argued that President Mahama, having previously led the Economic Management Team, should take responsibility for policies that shaped the current financial situation instead of shifting blame.

He also questioned President Mahama’s claim of running a lean government, stating that while the number of ministers had been reduced, there had been a rise in presidential staffers and committees.

Mr Afenyo-Markin further raised concerns about the gender composition of Mahama’s 19-member cabinet, which includes only two women.

He noted the exclusion of Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Hajia Lardi Ayamba, and Helen Adjoa Ntoso, suggesting that the government had overlooked experienced female leaders.

On employment, he criticised Mahama’s disclosure that 2.2 million Ghanaians were unemployed, arguing that the administration had focused on dismissals rather than creating jobs.

He also questioned the president’s claims of settling debts and paying matured domestic bonds, stating that these payments were made using revenues inherited from the previous government.

Addressing the school feeding programme, Mr Afenyo-Markin challenged President Mahama’s claim that his government had improved the initiative, stating that the Akufo-Addo administration had already cleared outstanding payments to caterers before leaving office.