NPP Will Hold Government Accountable Despite Threats, Afenyo-Markin Vows

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is using intimidation and threats of prosecution to silence opposition criticism, according to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who has pledged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will continue scrutinising the administration regardless of consequences.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, 23 July, following the Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson's presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year budget statement, Mr Afenyo-Markin accused the government of becoming intolerant of dissent and targeting Members of Parliament with legal threats.

"When people criticise you, you threaten them. A lot of my MPs here have been threatened. You are threatening Members of Parliament with prosecution," he stated, emphasising that such tactics would not deter the opposition from its oversight role.

He declared defiantly: "You can decide to imprison every MP. It will not shut us down. We will criticise you. We will hold your feet to the fire, and we will make sure you account for every cedi you spend."

Broken Promises and Economic Hardship

Mr Afenyo-Markin levelled sharp criticism at the government's failure to deliver on flagship campaign initiatives, particularly the 24-hour economy policy and the One District, One Factory (1D1F) scheme that was discontinued after the NDC took office.

"You promised one job, three shifts. You promised industrialisation," he said, urging the government to refocus efforts on these initiatives rather than pursuing what he characterised as a hidden political agenda.

The Minority Leader highlighted that Ghanaians are concerned primarily with their immediate living conditions rather than economic statistics. "We are not interested in the books. We are interested in the economy in our pockets. People are suffering. People need jobs," he remarked.

On the cancellation of 1D1F, he stated: "Ghanaian businesses have lost confidence in you. You cancelled the 1D1F, which was creating opportunities for the private sector. In its place, there are no policy alternatives."

Why It Matters for Ghana

This parliamentary exchange reflects the intensifying political tensions in Ghana ahead of the 2026 general election. The accusations of government intimidation of opposition figures touch on fundamental democratic principles of free speech and political competition, issues that resonate deeply with Ghanaians who value competitive democracy.

The specific grievances raised—economic hardship, unemployment, and abandoned industrial policies—represent the concerns preoccupying ordinary Ghanaians struggling with cost of living pressures. Mr Afenyo-Markin's emphasis on accountability for public spending and procurement practices also speaks to broader concerns about transparency and governance that have been ongoing issues in Ghanaian public discourse.

The NPP's opposition challenge to the NDC government will likely intensify around these themes over the next eighteen months, with economic performance and delivery on promises becoming central battlegrounds in Ghanaian politics.

Mr Afenyo-Markin predicted that the NDC would return to opposition, warning: "You are on your way to opposition. The Nsawam Prison cells will not be locked up. They will open widely for you. They will swallow many of you." He also alleged that the government's public procurement practices could expose officials to future legal consequences.

The Minority Leader concluded his remarks with a pointed assertion that even within the ruling party, members are facing economic difficulties, suggesting the government's policies have failed to improve conditions even for its own supporters.