Ghana's Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the government of President John Mahama of pursuing selective justice, using state institutions to intimidate opposition figures. He cited the recent attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the High Court in Accra as an example. According to Afenyo-Markin, the circumstances surrounding the arrest did not comply with constitutional and parliamentary procedures.
Afenyo-Markin made these allegations during a meeting with the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) to discuss the economy, constitutional governance, and the rule of law. The meeting was part of the Council's engagement with key stakeholders on pressing national issues. The Minority Leader emphasized that his party was not seeking immunity from investigation but wanted state institutions to operate within their legal mandate.
Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns about the economic difficulties facing households, particularly youth unemployment. He stressed that economic recovery should translate into jobs, improved living conditions, and opportunities for young people. The Minority Leader warned that persistent economic exclusion among the youth could threaten social cohesion and national stability.
The Minority Leader also discussed the reported $1.7 billion losses associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. He reiterated the Minority's concerns about the figures and their potential implications for the Bank of Ghana's balance sheet. Afenyo-Markin called for transparent and independent reconciliation of the figures and underlying transactions.
On constitutional reform, Afenyo-Markin said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) supported necessary reforms but had reservations about the government's approach. He emphasized the need for broad national ownership of any significant changes to the constitution. The meeting also touched on pending Supreme Court proceedings concerning presidential term limits.
The Minority Leader raised several social and national development issues, including protecting children from social media harms, regulating artificial intelligence, and addressing narcotics trafficking and illegal mining. He also discussed the National Cathedral project, accusing the government of changing its position after previously criticizing it while in opposition.
The Christian Council commended Afenyo-Markin and the Minority Caucus for discharging their constitutional mandate despite being in the minority. The Council said it would refer the issues raised to relevant bodies within the Church for consideration and possible action.
Key points
- The Minority Leader accused the government of selective justice and using state institutions to intimidate opposition figures.
- Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns about youth unemployment and its potential impact on social cohesion and national stability.
- The Minority Leader called for transparent and independent reconciliation of the $1.7 billion losses associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
