Afenyo-Markin criticises gov’t over alleged unfulfilled guarantees, slogan-driven governance – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefFebruary 23, 20263 Mins read13
Afenyo-Markin Criticises Government Over Alleged Unfulfilled Promises and “Slogan-Driven” Governance
Introduction
In a bold address to university students, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, has sharply criticised the current government for failing to deliver on key campaign promises while relying on slogans instead of substantive policy action. Speaking at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) during the inauguration of the Young Commons Forum (YCF) executive, Afenyo-Markin accused the administration of neglecting pressing national issues such as unemployment and the rising cost of living. His remarks have reignited debate about the government’s priorities and its commitment to addressing the needs of ordinary Ghanaians.
Key Points
- **Unfulfilled Campaign Promises**: Afenyo-Markin highlighted specific pledges—such as "one job," "women banking," and increased cocoa producer prices—that he claims have not been realised.
- **Slogan-Driven Governance**: He accused the government of focusing on slogans like the "24-hour economy" while ignoring urgent economic challenges.
- **Rising Cost of Living**: The Minority Leader pointed to new taxes, including a GH¢1 charge on data, as examples of policies that have worsened the financial strain on citizens.
- **Youth Empowerment**: Afenyo-Markin urged young people to focus on self-empowerment, industry, and entrepreneurship rather than relying on government promises.
- **Call for Policy Action**: He and other speakers stressed the need for concrete policies and implementation to drive sustainable development and job creation.
Background
Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin is the Member of Parliament for Effutu and serves as the Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament. He is a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and has been vocal in his criticism of the current government’s performance. The Young Commons Forum (YCF) is a student-led organisation aimed at fostering youth engagement in civic and policy matters. The UCC Chapter’s summit, where Afenyo-Markin spoke, was themed around empowering young people to challenge the status quo and contribute meaningfully to society.
Analysis
Afenyo-Markin’s criticism reflects a broader sentiment among opposition politicians and segments of the Ghanaian public who feel that the government has not delivered on its electoral promises. The “one job” pledge, for example, was a central campaign promise aimed at tackling youth unemployment, but many young Ghanaians continue to struggle to find stable work. Similarly, the promise of “women banking” was intended to improve financial inclusion for women, yet progress in this area remains limited.
The government’s focus on the “24-hour economy” has been met with scepticism by critics like Afenyo-Markin, who argue that such slogans distract from more immediate concerns like inflation and the high cost of living. The introduction of new taxes, such as the GH¢1 data levy, has further fuelled public discontent, with many viewing these measures as burdensome rather than beneficial.
Afenyo-Markin’s emphasis on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship is significant, as it shifts the narrative from government dependency to individual initiative. By encouraging young people to focus on industry and dedication, he is advocating for a more self-reliant approach to addressing unemployment and economic challenges.
Practical Advice
For young Ghanaians seeking to navigate the current economic landscape, Afenyo-Markin’s advice offers a practical roadmap:
1. **Focus on Self-Education and Skill Development**: Invest in acquiring skills that are in demand in the job market.
2. **Embrace Entrepreneurship**: Consider starting small businesses or exploring innovative solutions to local problems.
3. **Engage in Civic Activities**: Participate in forums like the YCF to stay informed and influence policy discussions.
4. **Network and Collaborate**: Build relationships with like-minded individuals and organisations to create opportunities for growth and development.
5. **Stay Informed**: Keep up with national and global trends to identify emerging opportunities and challenges.
FAQ
**Q: What specific promises did Afenyo-Markin say the government failed to deliver?**
A: He mentioned the “one job” pledge, “women banking,” and an increase in the cocoa producer price as unfulfilled promises.
**Q: What is the “24-hour economy” slogan?**
A: It is a government initiative aimed at promoting economic activities around the clock, but critics argue it lacks concrete implementation plans.
**Q: Why is Afenyo-Markin critical of the GH¢1 data levy?**
A: He views it as an additional financial burden on citizens, especially at a time when the cost of living is already high.
**Q: What is the Young Commons Forum (YCF)?**
A: It is a student-led organisation that encourages youth participation in civic engagement and policy-making.
**Q: How can young people empower themselves according to Afenyo-Markin?**
A: By focusing on industry, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, and by engaging in civic activities to influence change.
Conclusion
Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin’s critique of the government’s unfulfilled promises and slogan-driven governance has struck a chord with many Ghanaians, particularly the youth. His call for a shift from rhetoric to action, and from dependency to self-reliance, underscores the need for both government accountability and individual initiative. As Ghana continues to grapple with economic challenges, the voices of leaders like Afenyo-Markin and the engagement of young people will be crucial in shaping the nation’s future.
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