Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to accept the same level of public scrutiny it demanded of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration while in opposition. In a Facebook post on Friday, October 30, the Effutu MP accused the NDC of abandoning the accountability principles it vigorously promoted during its eight years in opposition. He argued that the party could not insist that scrutiny of government decisions was a democratic responsibility when the NPP was in power and now portray similar demands as politically motivated attacks.
Afenyo-Markin's remarks follow criticism by the Minority of the government's handling of the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa. The opposition has raised concerns over the reported GH¢49.72 million expenditure on the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians, pointing to alleged irregularities in payment records, duplicate entries and missing supporting documents. The Minority has called for an independent audit of the exercise and demanded the resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, warning that it could initiate a vote of censure if he remains in office.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the NDC, during its time in opposition, scrutinised government contracts, challenged appointments, questioned public spending and demanded explanations for policy decisions and campaign promises. He recalled how the party vigorously promoted accountability and transparency during its eight years in opposition. Afenyo-Markin questioned why the expectations of accountability appeared to have changed following the change in government.
The Minority Leader argued that the current administration should not expect to be treated differently, insisting that demanding transparency is part of the democratic process rather than an attempt to undermine those in authority. He stated that public office is not a personal possession, but a public trust, and holding office does not grant anyone immunity from criticism. Afenyo-Markin emphasised that questioning a contract is not a personal attack on the person who approved it.
Afenyo-Markin further stated that the opposition would maintain its oversight role by examining government contracts, scrutinising public expenditure and assessing the administration's performance against its promises. He maintained that the NDC must be prepared to meet the same accountability standards it expected the NPP to observe while in government. The Minority Leader said the opposition would continue to play its role in ensuring accountability and transparency.
The Effutu MP added that the standard members of the NDC demanded when they were in opposition should be the same standard they must live by. He emphasised that the Mighty Minority would not renege on its commitment to holding the government accountable. Afenyo-Markin's comments have sparked a renewed debate on the importance of accountability and transparency in governance.
The issue has significant implications for the governing NDC, which has been criticised for its handling of the evacuation exercise. The party must now navigate the challenge of balancing its commitment to accountability with the demands of being in power. As the Minority continues to scrutinise the government's actions, the NDC must demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Key points
- The NDC must accept the same level of public scrutiny it demanded of the previous NPP administration.
- The opposition has raised concerns over the reported GH¢49.72 million expenditure on the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians.
- Afenyo-Markin has emphasised that demanding transparency is part of the democratic process rather than an attempt to undermine those in authority.
