Afenyo-Markin Open Up That Mahama’s First Year Marked By Slogans And No Real Action

Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s performance in office after one year, arguing that the administration’s policies have largely been slogans without substantial results for ordinary Ghanaians. His remarks came immediately after Mahama delivered the 2026 State of the Nation Address to Parliament of Ghana, where the president outlined his government’s accomplishments and plans for the year ahead.

Afenyo-Markin told lawmakers that while the president had fulfilled his constitutional duty by presenting the address, many important issues affecting citizens were left unaddressed. He said that after a full year in government, the administration was still characterised by “slogans and no action” and that many Ghanaians continue to struggle with basic economic pressures.

One of his major criticisms focused on rising electricity tariffs, which he said have become unaffordable for many households. Afenyo-Markin argued that the president failed to adequately address this challenge in his speech, even as the cost of living remains a dominant concern across the country.

He also raised issues relating to job losses, saying that thousands of young people had been dismissed from state employment through letters issued by the Chief of Staff. Afenyo-Markin said these personnel changes contribute to growing unemployment and should have been a central point in the president’s address.

Agriculture and cocoa sector issues were referenced as well. The minority leader criticised the reduction in cocoa producer prices and noted the absence of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, whom he said had not been visible in addressing farmers’ concerns. He questioned why macroeconomic indicators were emphasised while the welfare of farmers was overlooked.

Afenyo-Markin also drew attention to ongoing problems with illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, urging stronger action to protect communities from environmental damage and economic hardship.

Though he acknowledged some positive economic outcomes cited by the president, the opposition lawmaker attributed those gains partly to policies inherited from the previous administration. He specifically mentioned the Gold-for-Reserve policy as a foundational economic measure that should be credited to former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.

In concluding his critique, Afenyo-Markin said the minority will continue to hold the government accountable and pursue full disclosure and action on these critical issues, asserting that many Ghanaians still suffer under the current policies.