The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has insisted that the opposition caucus has remained constructive and issue-driven rather than merely confrontational.
Speaking on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV, Alexander Afenyo-Markin rejected suggestions that the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary minority has adopted an overly combative posture toward the government.
“We have been very constructive in our dealings with national issues. Any objective observer would see that,” he said, arguing that the caucus has focused on concerns affecting livelihoods, businesses and key sectors of the economy.
According to him, many of the issues raised by the Minority are informed by stakeholder complaints and practical challenges being experienced on the ground.
Concerns Raised Over Agriculture and Cost Pressures
Afenyo-Markin pointed specifically to the agricultural sector, where he said local rice producers are facing difficulties because government procurement decisions appear to favour imported rice over domestic output.
He argued that such practices undermine local farmers and weaken efforts to strengthen agricultural self-sufficiency.
He also accused the governing National Democratic Congress of inconsistency, saying some policies the party criticised while in opposition are now being maintained in office.
“They condemned these policies when they were in opposition, but today they are continuing them,” he stated, referencing interventions such as buffer stock arrangements.
On the broader economy, the Minority Leader said rising electricity tariffs and changes within the tax structure are placing additional pressure on households and businesses.
While some levies may have been scrapped, he suggested that other cost burdens have effectively replaced them.
NPP Eyes 2028 With Rebranding Strategy
Looking ahead, Afenyo-Markin said the New Patriotic Party is focused on rebuilding its political momentum toward the 2028 general elections through strategy, reorganisation and renewed public engagement.
“Our focus is on hard work, re-strategising, and letting Ghanaians appreciate what we did in office,” he said.
He maintained that the NPP would campaign not only on its past achievements in government but also on alternative policy ideas that respond to current national challenges.
Afenyo-Markin also dismissed claims that the Minority refuses to acknowledge any positive initiative by the current administration, arguing instead that the NDC had taken a similar posture during the government of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“They never supported even major policies like Free SHS when it was introduced,” he said.
Supports Reparations Debate, Calls for Honest Reflection
On the issue of reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, Afenyo-Markin expressed support for calls for justice but urged a fuller historical conversation.
“I support the reparations agenda fully.
“But we must also acknowledge that some Africans played roles in the trade. That part of history must not be ignored.” - Afenyo-Markin
He ended by stressing that opposition politics should not be mistaken for sabotage. “The fact that we are in opposition does not mean we want the country to fail. We want a better Ghana,” he said.
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