Afenyo-Markin Challenges Mahama on Bill, Cocaine and Jobs

The Minority Leader said the governing party should remain consistent with the position it held while in opposition, when it called on former President Nana Akufo-Addo to assent to an earlier version of the legislation.

“We don’t want any late amendments carved out or delayed to water it down. Every member must vote on the actual text,” he said.

He also questioned the exemptions introduced into the current version, arguing that they could weaken the bill.

The legislation, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, was passed by Parliament on May 29, 2026, but has not become law. Parliament is expected to revisit aspects of the legislation following concerns raised by Speaker Alban Bagbin about the parliamentary process and its provisions.

Majority Leader James Agalga, however, assured that President Mahama would sign the bill into law in due course. He said Parliament would address the outstanding issues during the current meeting.

Afenyo-Markin demands answers over cocaine seizures

On national security, Afenyo-Markin challenged President Mahama’s administration to account for repeated international drug seizures involving consignments reportedly linked to Ghana.

He specifically referred to the seizure of approximately 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at France’s Port of Dunkirk in September 2026. The shipment was reportedly concealed in plastic waste originating from Ghana.

He also mentioned reported interceptions in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Sydney, as well as suspected drug seizures within Ghana.

The Minority Leader argued that ongoing criminal prosecutions should not prevent Parliament from examining possible weaknesses in border security, port inspections, customs controls and intelligence coordination.

He said the government had a responsibility to explain how such consignments could move through the country’s security and regulatory systems.

Afenyo-Markin also disclosed that the Minority had filed a motion seeking a review of Speaker Bagbin’s earlier decision to reject a proposed parliamentary inquiry into the narcotics seizures.

Majority Leader James Agalga disagreed with the Minority’s position, arguing that criminal investigations should remain the responsibility of the relevant security agencies while Parliament exercises its oversight role.

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Where are the promised jobs?

The Minority Leader also challenged the government to provide clear evidence of the jobs created through its employment policies.

He cited a Ghana Statistical Service figure indicating that youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 stood at 32.4 per cent.

He questioned which government institutions were responsible for delivering the promised employment opportunities and demanded details of the jobs created so far.

Afenyo-Markin also criticised the discontinuation of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme, arguing that government should explain what incentives are available to support private businesses.

He raised concerns about support for businesses in areas such as raw materials, machinery and energy supply, which he said were important for industrial expansion and job creation.

The Minority Leader said his caucus would closely examine the government’s 2027 Budget, expected on November 12, to determine whether it contains clear employment targets and practical measures to address youth unemployment.

In response, James Agalga pointed to the government’s 24-hour economy programme, saying more than 300 filling stations had adopted a three-shift system and that about 500 businesses were involved when factories were included.