Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the government of widespread political persecution, claiming opposition figures and critics face targeting to suppress dissent. He voiced these strong allegations on Thursday, July 23, immediately after Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament. Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated, "What we are experiencing in this country is persecution, persecution, persecution."
Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that the government's economic claims cannot be separated from what he described as growing political intolerance. He cited cases like former Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, and jailed TikToker Kamila Al-Hassan, alleging they are political prisoners. These actions, he claimed, create an atmosphere of fear and undermine democratic principles.
This accusation comes amidst a broader national debate about the state of Ghana's economy and political climate. The government has faced scrutiny over its handling of various economic indicators, including inflation and unemployment. The Minority's claims of political persecution add another layer of tension to the country's political landscape, especially as the next general election approaches.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also sharply criticized the Finance Minister’s Mid-Year Budget Review, calling it "full of English with empty payment." He argued that the review failed to offer practical solutions for the economic difficulties faced by many Ghanaians. He questioned the government's figures on agricultural funds, noting a discrepancy between a deputy minister's claim of GHS 1.6 billion released and the minister's reported GHS 1.1 billion. He also highlighted the neglect of the cocoa sector, stating that 4 million cocoa farmers are suffering without policy announcements.
The Minority Leader further challenged the government's gold-for-reserves policy, claiming earlier warnings from the opposition were ignored. He alleged that the policy resulted in significant losses, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly indicating GHS 9.6 billion in losses. He also questioned the allocation of GHS 42 million to the 24-hour economy initiative while critical healthcare infrastructure, such as Agenda 111 hospitals, remains abandoned. Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated that local assemblies are being forced to use their own allocations to fund the 24-hour economy program, diverting resources from essential local services.
These allegations suggest a deepening political divide and raise questions about the transparency and effectiveness of government spending. The Minority's continued scrutiny of public resources indicates a challenging period ahead for the government. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch how these accusations impact investor confidence and the government's ability to implement its economic agenda. The debate over resource allocation and political freedoms will likely intensify in the coming months, influencing public discourse and policy direction.