Afenyo-Markin’s Scathing Critique of the NDC’s First 120 Days: A Litany of Disappointments and Betrayals
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin delivered a blistering assessment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s initial four months in office, characterizing the period as one marked by profound disappointment, broken promises, and a stark betrayal of the public trust. His critique, articulated during an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, painted a picture of an administration that has fostered division, engaged in politically motivated dismissals, and failed to deliver on its key campaign promises, notably the much-touted 24-hour economy initiative. Afenyo-Markin’s accusations ranged from the creation of a two-tiered Ghana, favoring party loyalists while marginalizing perceived opponents, to the unjust termination of employment for individuals recruited into public institutions after the December 7 elections. This comprehensive critique casts a long shadow over the NDC’s early performance, raising serious questions about its ability to effectively govern and fulfill its mandate.
Afenyo-Markin’s central argument revolved around the perceived creation of "two Ghanas" under the NDC administration. He contended that the government has prioritized the interests of its party faithful while simultaneously sidelining those perceived as political adversaries. This alleged favoritism, according to Afenyo-Markin, has created a deeply divisive atmosphere and undermined the principle of inclusivity in governance. Furthermore, he criticized the government’s decision to terminate the employment of individuals recruited into public institutions after the December elections, characterizing the move as politically driven and unjust. He questioned the basis for these dismissals, arguing that they lacked proper justification and due process, thus leaving many Ghanaians without livelihoods. This action, he argued, contradicted the NDC’s campaign rhetoric of unity and national development.
The Minority Leader also took aim at the NDC’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, a central plank of their campaign platform. He accused the government of failing to translate this ambitious promise into concrete action. The envisioned "one-three-three" model, which aimed to create multiple shifts for each job and stimulate the private sector through incentives, has yet to materialize, according to Afenyo-Markin. He lamented the apparent lack of policy direction for the private sector, arguing that this inaction has further exacerbated unemployment rather than alleviating it. This perceived failure to deliver on such a prominent campaign promise, he suggested, represents a significant breach of public trust.
Afenyo-Markin’s criticism extended to the handling of employment within the education and health sectors. He highlighted the case of teachers and nurses who received postings but were subsequently removed from their positions, further contributing to the unemployment crisis. He referenced a statement by Haruna Iddrisu regarding the validation of teachers’ appointments, but noted the absence of evidence suggesting that those dismissed had been reinstated. This inconsistency, in Afenyo-Markin’s view, exposed the government’s lack of commitment to resolving the issue and highlighted the precarious situation faced by these essential workers.
The Minority Leader’s overarching message was one of deep concern over the NDC’s trajectory during its first four months in office. He characterized the period as a "significant misstep" and a betrayal of the public’s hopes and expectations. The alleged creation of "two Ghanas," the politically motivated dismissals, and the failure to implement the 24-hour economy policy, he argued, represent a collective failure of leadership and a departure from the NDC’s campaign promises. Afenyo-Markin’s forceful critique serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the NDC government and the urgent need for corrective action to address the concerns raised.
In conclusion, Afenyo-Markin’s scathing assessment of the NDC’s first 120 days portrays a government struggling to live up to its promises and grappling with accusations of political favoritism and mismanagement. His critique highlighted the perceived division within the country, the controversial dismissals from public institutions, and the unfulfilled pledge of a 24-hour economy. These combined factors, in Afenyo-Markin’s view, paint a picture of a government that has lost its way and betrayed the trust placed in it by the Ghanaian people. The Minority Leader’s strong words serve as a call for accountability and a demand for the NDC to address the concerns raised and chart a more inclusive and prosperous path forward.
