On October 6, 2026, Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin met with the leadership of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) to discuss pressing national issues, including the financial performance of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the impact of illegal mining. The engagement was initiated by the CCG to understand the Minority's position on GoldBod and explore ways to promote transparency and accountability. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts of the Minority Caucus to address critical concerns affecting Ghana's economy and governance.
During the meeting, Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about the approximately US$1.7 billion in reported losses associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. He called for an independent and transparent reconciliation of the figures and underlying transactions, citing implications for the Bank of Ghana's balance sheet and potential recapitalisation burden on taxpayers. The Minority Leader emphasized the need for decisive action to address these financial discrepancies and ensure accountability within GoldBod.
Afenyo-Markin also discussed the issue of illegal mining, known as galamsey, and its devastating impact on Ghana's environment, public health, and economy. He argued that galamsey should no longer be treated solely as an environmental or mining issue but also as a matter affecting public health, water and food security, livelihoods, and enforcement of state laws. The Minority Leader urged the Christian Council to use its moral authority to support decisive action against illegal mining, particularly against financiers and organised networks.
The Minority Leader expressed concerns about the government's efforts at economic recovery, emphasizing that these efforts must translate into jobs, improved living conditions, and opportunities, particularly for young people. He warned that persistent economic exclusion among the youth could have implications for social cohesion and national stability. Afenyo-Markin also discussed constitutional reform, stating that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) supports necessary reforms but has reservations about the government's current approach.
Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about the selective use of investigative and prosecutorial powers against opposition figures, citing the recent case of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Manhyia South MP. He questioned the circumstances surrounding his arrest warrant and subsequent detention after voluntarily presenting himself to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The Minority Leader emphasized that accountability must be pursued in accordance with the law and that the coercive powers of the state should not be used to intimidate legitimate political opposition.
Other issues discussed during the meeting included the impact of social media on children, regulation of artificial intelligence, narcotics trafficking, religious freedom, mission schools, and long-term national development planning. Afenyo-Markin also touched on the National Cathedral project, suggesting a transparent, Christian-led private financing model that would avoid imposing additional construction costs on taxpayers. The Minority Leader briefed the Council on the NPP's recent National Delegates Conference and sought prayers for the party's newly elected national officers.
The Christian Council commended the Minority for continuing to discharge its constitutional mandate despite being in the minority in Parliament. The Council indicated that the issues raised at the meeting would be referred to relevant bodies within the Church for consideration and possible action. Afenyo-Markin stated that the engagement reinforced the need for credible national institutions to remain willing to listen, speak, and act in the national interest.
Key points
- - The Minority Leader called for an independent and transparent reconciliation of the US$1.7 billion in reported losses associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. - Afenyo-Markin urged the Christian Council to support decisive action against illegal mining and its financiers. - The Minority Leader emphasized the need for accountability to be pursued in accordance with the law, without intimidation of legitimate political opposition.
