By: Daniel Bampoe
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has launched a scathing attack on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government under President John Mahama, accusing it of imposing harsh economic burdens and undermining Ghana’s democracy just months into its new term.
Speaking at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Delegates’ Conference on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Afenyo-Markin did not mince words as he warned that the consequences of the NDC’s return to power were already being felt by ordinary Ghanaians.
Fuel Levies and Economic Pain
Central to Afenyo-Markin’s concerns is the sharp increase in fuel prices, which he directly blamed on new levies introduced by the Mahama administration.
He said these levies have had a cascading effect on the cost of living, compounding the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
“New levies on fuel have spiked pump prices, crushing ordinary Ghanaians,” he stated, suggesting that the government’s revenue-raising strategies were insensitive to the already strained pockets of the citizenry.
Fuel prices have seen consistent increases since the start of the year, and transport operators and traders have begun raising fares and prices of goods in response.
The NDC administration has defended the fuel levies as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the economy and fund key public services.
However, critics like Afenyo-Markin argue that the burden is disproportionately placed on the poor.
Allegations of Electoral Violence
Beyond economic concerns, Afenyo-Markin also touched on the recent controversial re-run of the Ablekuma North parliamentary primary, which he described as a “blot” on Ghana’s democratic record.
He alleged that individuals aligned with the NDC, some disguised in security uniforms, orchestrated attacks against NPP candidate Nana Ekua Afriyieh and journalists who were covering the event.
“In the questionable Ablekuma North rerun, NDC-affiliated individuals, disguised in taskforce uniforms, targeted our candidate Nana Ekua Afriyieh and journalists. It exposed their willingness to trample democracy with violence,” he lamented.
His comments echo wider concerns from civil society organizations and observers who have condemned the violent incidents and called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the re-run.
“The True Face of the NDC”
According to Afenyo-Markin, the events of the past few months paint a clear picture of the Mahama government’s priorities — one that is allegedly marked by betrayal, oppression, and poor economic management.
“Barely months into their tenure, the betrayal of the NDC is glaring,” he declared. “Ghanaians are already witnessing the true face of this administration.”
He stressed that the NPP, though currently in opposition, must take lessons from these developments and remain united and focused.
He urged party delegates to consolidate their efforts to build a credible alternative for the 2028 general elections.
Political Context
The NDC returned to power in the 2024 general elections after defeating the NPP, which had ruled for eight consecutive years under Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The NPP’s loss was partly attributed to economic downturns and internal party divisions.
Now in opposition, the NPP is using its National Delegates’ Conference as a platform to reorganize and strengthen the party’s structures, redefine its message, and galvanize its base for the long road back to power.
The sharp rhetoric from Afenyo-Markin reflects the heightened political temperature, as both major parties prepare for key electoral events in the coming years, including local government elections and the 2028 national polls.
