The Minority Leader in Parliament has launched a wide-ranging criticism of the Mahama-led government, accusing it of failing to deliver on its promises to young people, neglecting public sector workers and mishandling critical national issues, including illegal mining, cocoa pricing, fuel costs and accountability in the management of public resources.

Addressing Parliament at the opening of the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, the Minority Leader questioned the government’s performance nearly two years into its administration, insisting that Ghanaians must judge governance by tangible improvements in their living conditions rather than political promises and economic statistics.

He identified youth unemployment, unresolved labour disputes, environmental destruction, rising living costs and concerns surrounding state institutions as major issues requiring urgent parliamentary attention.

24-hour economy has failed to deliver jobs – Minority Leader

The Minority Leader accused the NDC government of failing to translate its flagship 24-hour economy policy into meaningful employment opportunities for young Ghanaians.

He recalled that the NDC campaigned on a promise of creating a 24-hour economy supported by factories operating in three shifts, with opportunities for thousands of young people.

However, he argued that nearly two years after the party assumed office, the policy had produced a law, an authority and political slogans rather than the promised jobs.

He further questioned the government’s commitment to the programme, citing an investor who reportedly struggled to secure an electricity transformer from the Electricity Company of Ghana and faced difficulties negotiating power costs.

Citing Ghana Statistical Service figures, he said unemployment among young people aged 15 to 24 had averaged above 30 per cent, while nearly two million people aged 15 to 35 were neither in education, employment nor training.

He described youth unemployment as a major human and national security concern, warning that the absence of opportunities was pushing young Ghanaians to seek opportunities abroad, sometimes through dangerous migration routes.

Minority demands payment of arrears as JUSAG strike exposes labour tensions

The Minority Leader also criticised the government over unresolved labour-related grievances, pointing to the ongoing strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG).

He said judicial service workers had waited since January for salaries and allowances due under C.I. 141, with government approving ten months of arrears only after court operations had been disrupted.

He cited similar concerns involving teachers, nurses and other public sector workers, noting that organised labour groups, including GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG, had repeatedly raised concerns over promotions, unpaid arrears, allowances and conditions of service.

The Minority is demanding the immediate payment of all outstanding arrears, the implementation of agreed conditions of service and a credible government plan to prevent recurring labour strikes.

He described the government’s handling of labour disputes as crisis management characterised by delays and incompetence.

Minority raises concerns over GH¢22bn GoldBod-related losses, demands public inquiry

The Minority Leader has renewed calls for a parliamentary investigation into Ghana’s gold purchasing arrangements, raising questions about financial losses associated with the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

He cited an International Monetary Fund assessment indicating that GH¢22 billion was associated with the programme in 2025, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the reported losses require thorough parliamentary scrutiny.

Although the Ghana Gold Board has maintained that its audited accounts recorded a surplus, he insisted that the broader financial arrangements and the management of public resources must be independently examined.

He called for an open and transparent parliamentary probe to establish how the transactions were undertaken, which institutions and officials authorised them, how financial risks were managed and what safeguards were put in place to protect public funds.

The Minority Leader stressed that Ghanaian citizens deserve full disclosure on how the country’s gold resources are managed and whether the arrangements are delivering the intended economic benefits.

Galamsey threatens Ghana’s agricultural future and water security

The Minority Leader expressed concern over the environmental and economic consequences of illegal mining, warning that the destruction of water bodies, forests and agricultural lands could undermine Ghana’s long-term economic prospects.

Referring to the IMF’s August 2026 Selected Issues Report, he cited concerns that the rapid expansion and mechanisation of artisanal and small-scale gold mining had resulted in extensive land degradation, loss of vegetation and destruction of cocoa and food-crop farms.

He warned that the environmental damage could become a structural threat to agricultural productivity and long-term economic growth.

He further criticised what he described as government tolerance of mining activities near water bodies, forest reserves and roadsides under registration and regularisation arrangements, insisting that mining must comply with the law and obtain the necessary licences.

Drawing on his experience as a former chairman of the Ghana Water Company, he said contamination of rivers had increased the cost of water treatment, with some treatment plants struggling to operate.

He also highlighted water shortages affecting households in Accra, questioning how communities could continue to experience difficulties accessing water despite Ghana being home to Lake Volta.

The Minority has consequently called on the Minister of State responsible for Climate Change and Sustainability to appear before Parliament and explain the government’s plans, programmes and budgetary provisions for addressing climate change and protecting the country’s water resources.

Minority questions GH¢63 cocoa price increase

The Minority Leader has criticised the government’s latest cocoa farmgate price adjustment, describing the reported GH¢63 increase as inadequate in the face of the promises made to cocoa farmers before the 2024 elections.

He recalled that the NDC had promised to pay cocoa farmers more than GH¢6,000 per bag upon assuming office.

However, he argued that the current farmgate price of GH¢2,587 per bag remained below the amount the previous administration had left behind, despite the government’s announcement of an increase.

He said cocoa farmers were not the only agricultural producers facing difficulties, pointing to concerns among rice and maize farmers over rising production costs and competition from cheaper imported food products.

He warned that the situation was increasing pressure on farmers and households while undermining local agricultural production.

Minority criticises rising fuel prices and cost of living

The Minority Leader also raised concerns about fluctuations in petroleum prices and their impact on households and businesses.

He cited figures indicating that the petrol price floor increased from GH¢12.79 per litre in early July 2026 to GH¢16.45 by the first pricing window in October.

Diesel prices, he said, rose from GH¢15.19 per litre in mid-August to GH¢17.97 on October 1.

He further referenced JoyNews Research findings indicating that fuel prices had increased by more than 33 per cent since January.

Although acknowledging that international market conditions and exchange rate movements influence petroleum prices, he maintained that the government remained responsible for fiscal and regulatory measures affecting the final cost to consumers.

He also noted that earlier electricity tariff adjustments exceeding 30 per cent had placed additional pressure on households and businesses, despite the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s decision to maintain electricity and water tariffs for the fourth quarter of 2026.

He argued that the combined effects of fuel, transportation, electricity and water costs were increasing the cost of doing business and pushing up prices of essential commodities.

Minority calls for investigation into South Africa evacuation expenditure

The Minority Leader has called for a parliamentary investigation into the nearly GH¢50 million reportedly spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.

He acknowledged the government’s intervention in bringing home nearly 2,000 Ghanaians but questioned the expenditure figures provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said the Minority had raised concerns about the cost of the operation and was demanding an audit to establish how the funds were utilised.

He maintained that the government’s responsibility to protect Ghanaians abroad must not become an avenue for misusing public resources.

He also called for Parliament to investigate the circumstances surrounding the evacuation, insisting that transparency and accountability were necessary.

Minority demands justice for 15-year-old Ghanaian killed in New York

The Minority Leader expressed condolences to the family of 15-year-old Ghanaian boy Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong, who was reportedly shot and killed while walking to school in the Bronx, New York.

He disclosed that the boy had moved from Ghana to join his father in the United States about a year earlier and had reportedly experienced bullying before the incident.

He called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s Permanent Mission in New York to sustain cooperation with American authorities until those responsible were brought before the courts.

He also demanded that a dedicated officer be assigned to work with New York police and prosecutors, while providing the bereaved family with legal and consular assistance.

The Minority further urged the government to support the family in bringing the boy’s remains to Ghana for burial, if they wished, and regularly update Parliament on the progress of investigations.

Minority demands independent investigation into alleged sexual abuse at Obuasi SHS

The Minority Leader has called for an independent investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

He acknowledged that the headmaster had been suspended and emphasised that the allegations remained under investigation, cautioning against prematurely declaring anyone guilty.

However, he supported calls by education watchdog Eduwatch for an independent external investigation into the actions and omissions of school, municipal and regional authorities.

He said Parliament must investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations to identify institutional failures, establish accountability and prevent similar incidents in other schools.

Minority seeks parliamentary inquiry into cocaine trafficking through Ghana

The Minority Leader has renewed calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the root causes of major cocaine seizures linked to Ghana.

He referred to the reported seizure of approximately 47 kilogrammes of cocaine in Lebanon, which was allegedly passing through Ghana.

He also cited a September seizure of nearly four tonnes of cocaine at Dunkirk in France, reportedly involving a container that had departed Ghana, as well as suspected cocaine parcels discovered in sacks of gari at the Tema Harbour enclave in August.

He said an independent tally had placed Ghana-linked cocaine seizures at approximately 16 tonnes, nearly twice the official count, because several consignments were intercepted outside the country.

The Minority Leader argued that the repeated incidents were damaging Ghana’s international reputation and raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the country’s ports and border security systems.

He disclosed that the Minority had filed a fresh motion asking Parliament to reconsider an earlier ruling that blocked an inquiry into the root causes of the seizures.

He maintained that the proposed investigation would not interfere with the Executive’s authority to investigate and prosecute criminal cases but would allow Parliament to examine how the drugs passed through the country’s systems and which institutions were responsible for oversight.

Minority warns EOCO against abuse of state authority

The Minority Leader has raised concerns over the conduct of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), particularly following developments involving the Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.

He insisted that investigative authorities must operate within the law and respect the constitutional rights of individuals, including persons under investigation.

He stressed that the Minority was not seeking immunity from investigations but opposed any attempt to use state institutions as political instruments against opposition figures.

He also expressed concern over public statements suggesting that political party officials could influence investigative decisions by state agencies.

He commended the Speaker, Haruna Iddrisu, Muntaka Mubarak, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Defeamekpor and the Majority Leader for raising concerns about alleged excesses involving EOCO.

He called on the leadership of security and investigative institutions to demonstrate their independence and ensure that their powers were exercised lawfully and without political interference.

Minority demands accountability over El-Wak Stadium stampede

The Minority Leader revisited the November 2025 El-Wak Stadium stampede, which claimed the lives of six young women during a Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise.

He said the victims had gone to the stadium in search of employment opportunities but never returned home.

He recalled that the Minority had called for an independent investigation and compensation for the bereaved families immediately after the tragedy.

However, he accused the Majority of repeatedly frustrating efforts to secure an investigation and establish accountability.

He questioned why the families of the victims had yet to receive the level of accountability the Minority considered necessary.

Minority outlines expectations for 2027 Budget

Ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget, the Minority Leader has outlined key areas it expects the government to address, insisting that economic stability must translate into measurable improvements in the lives of Ghanaians.

He said the budget must provide credible measures for sustainable employment, support for agriculture, improved cocoa farmer incomes and reduced business operating costs.

The Minority also expects the government to demonstrate fiscal discipline, responsible borrowing, effective public debt management and the settlement of legitimate obligations owed to local businesses and contractors.

He further called for adequate budgetary provisions to settle outstanding obligations and improve conditions for teachers.

The Minority Leader stressed that the budget must contain clear implementation timelines, transparent allocation of public resources and measurable outcomes rather than ambitious promises and projections.

He assured that the Minority would approach the budget with an open mind but remain committed to rigorous parliamentary scrutiny.

Minority Leader predicts NPP victory in 2028

Concluding his address, the Minority Leader urged members of his caucus to remain united and intensify their efforts to hold the government accountable.

He expressed confidence that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would win the 2028 general elections and return to government under its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

He claimed that a recent research finding suggested the NDC could lose more than 35 parliamentary seats if elections were held at the time of the address.

He also argued that the NPP had completed its internal leadership processes and was better positioned for the next general election.

The Minority Leader reaffirmed his commitment to leading the caucus in challenging the government’s policies and called on members to remain firm in their parliamentary duties.

He said the Minority’s ultimate objective was to become the Majority in Parliament after the 2028 elections and secure Dr Bawumia’s election as President of Ghana.