Afenyo‑Markin Explodes In Parliament: “Mahama’s Mid‑Year Budget Is A Third‑Term Agenda In Disguise”

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo‑Markin has launched a fierce attack on the 2026 Mid‑Year Budget Review, accusing Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson of packaging the document as a covert campaign tool to secure a third term for President John Mahama.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Effutu MP said the budget was glossy on paper but disconnected from the lived reality of struggling Ghanaians.

“Third term? You are not performing but you want a third term,” he fired. “Beneath this budget is a third term agenda… We’re watching you with eagle eyes.”

He stressed:

“You won’t have a third term — today nor tomorrow.”

“24‑Hour Economy Has Failed” — Afenyo‑Markin

The Minority Leader accused the NDC of failing to deliver on its flagship 24‑hour economy promise, insisting that job creation has stalled and private sector confidence has collapsed.

He said the cancellation of the NPP’s One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative had crippled opportunities for young people.

“You promised one job, three shifts. You promised industrialisation. Ghanaian businesses have lost confidence in you.”

He also slammed the government for dismissing public sector workers employed under the previous administration.

“Instead of restoring them to their rightful places in the job market, you are not doing so. Then you come and say we should praise you.”

Tariffs Up, Jobs Down, Nepotism Up — Minority Leader Charges

Afenyo‑Markin criticised rising electricity tariffs — nearly 30%, he said — arguing that such increases undermine the very 24‑hour economy the government claims to champion.

He further accused the NDC of nepotism and selective payments.

“Who is going to praise you if you don’t pay and you are holding the money and only paying your party members?”

He said ordinary Ghanaians were suffering while NDC MPs were “hungry” and unable to return to their constituencies.

“We are not interested in the books. We are interested in the economy in our pockets. People need jobs… We will not praise you. It is the same old story. Asɛm dada naa.”

Background

President Mahama first assumed office in 2012 after the passing of President John Evans Atta‑Mills, later winning the 2012 election. He lost to Nana Akufo‑Addo in 2016 but returned to power after winning the 2024 polls — a term the NDC considers his second.

A national debate has since emerged over whether the party will seek another term for him, with the NDC touting what it calls a successful economic reset. The NPP disputes this claim and is seeking a return to power with former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer.

— ClassFm