The Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has intensified his critique of the Mahama administration, accusing the government of using "empty
slogans" like the 24-Hour Economy to mask a failure to deliver on fundamental campaign promises.
Speaking at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Summit on Saturday, February 21, the Effutu MP argued that while the government prioritizes election rhetoric, the youth are left grappling with a high cost of living and a lack of sustainable jobs.
1. The "24-Hour Economy" Debate
The Minority Leader dismissed the recently signed 24-Hour Economy Authority Act (February 19, 2026) as a "distraction."
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The Critique: Afenyo-Markin contends that the policy has shifted from its original promise of "one job, three shifts" to a vague framework for industrialization without immediate employment results.
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The Counter-Argument: Government data from the 2026 Budget suggests that the policy, backed by a GH₵110 million seed fund, aims to create 800,000 jobs this year by powering agro-industrial enclaves.
2. Cost of Living: Claims vs. Statistics
Afenyo-Markin highlighted the "suffering" of Ghanaians, specifically citing a GH₵1 tax per data and the rising cost of essentials.
The Economic Scorecard (Feb 2026)
While the Minority Leader paints a picture of hardship, recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) shows a significant downward trend in inflation:
| Metric | February 2025 | February 2026 | Status |
| Headline Inflation | 23.8% | 3.8% | Lowest since 2011 |
| Food Inflation | 27.8% | 3.9% | Significant drop |
| Cedi Exchange Rate | Volatile | Stabilizing | Easing import costs |
"The government talks about elections but hasn’t addressed the rising cost of living... today, the people are suffering." — Alexander Afenyo-Markin
3. The Cocoa Price Contention
The Minority Leader also touched on the "unmaterialized" increase in the producer price of cocoa.
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The Context: On February 12, 2026, the government actually reduced the producer price to GH₵41,392 per tonne (from a previous high of GH₵58,000 in late 2025).
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The Reason: Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson cited a sharp fall in global cocoa prices (from $7,200 to $4,100 per tonne).
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The "Reset" Defense: The government claims this new price still represents 90% of the FOB price, far higher than the statutory minimum of 70%, to cushion farmers against the global crash.
4. Empowering the Next Generation
Despite the political friction, the summit—organized for the inauguration of the Young Commons Forum (YCF)—focused on youth empowerment. Afenyo-Markin encouraged the students to embrace:
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Industry & Dedication: Focusing on self-development regardless of background.
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Civic Engagement: Participating in policy-making to hold leaders accountable.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: Innovating to solve national challenges rather than waiting for state slogans to manifest.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 political landscape is defined by a clash of narratives. For the Majority, the 3.8% inflation rate and the 24-Hour Economy Act are proof of a successful "Reset." For Afenyo-Markin and the Minority, these are "statistical improvements" that have yet to translate into the pockets of the ordinary Ghanaian.
