Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has warned members of the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration that they could face prosecution under a future New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, while promising that jailed NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, would be released.
Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Afenyo-Markin accused the government of engaging in political victimisation through the prosecution of opposition figures.
He claimed that if the NPP returns to power, some current government officials, including Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Dr Dominic Ayine, could face legal action.
“If you are not careful, Mr Speaker, if you do not stop now, you will end up replacing Wontumi in prison. Wontumi will be released, and you will take his place. So, I am advising you: let us all exercise restraint,” he said.
The Minority Leader’s comments followed the conviction and sentencing of Chairman Wontumi, who was handed a 20-year prison term after an Accra High Court found him guilty of illegal mining-related offences.
Afenyo-Markin also called on the government to release individuals he described as political prisoners, mentioning Wontumi and TikToker Camilla Alhassan, who was sentenced to one year in prison over offensive conduct and false publication.
“Tell your government to free all political prisoners. Dr Ato Forson, tell your government to free all political prisoners. Chairman Wontumi deserves justice. Camilla Alhassan deserves justice,” he stated.
He further accused the government of targeting opposition Members of Parliament through prosecutions, insisting that such actions would not stop the Minority from holding the government accountable.
“Regarding the MPs behind me whom you have targeted for prosecution, you can decide to imprison every single MP, but it will not silence us. We will criticise you, hold your feet to the fire, and ensure you account for every cedi you spend,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin also criticised aspects of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, particularly the government’s allocation towards the 24-hour economy initiative.
He questioned why GH¢42 million was allocated to the programme while some healthcare projects, including Agenda 111 hospitals, remained incomplete.
“The Finance Minister needs to practice what he preaches. You come here and allocate GH¢42 million to a 24-hour market while abandoning the Agenda 111 projects. The hospitals that ought to be your top priority are being ignored,” he argued.
He described the budget review as lacking vision and accused the government of using state institutions to target political opponents.
“What we are witnessing in this country is pure political victimisation. For the first time, we are seeing political imprisonment. Wontumi is a political prisoner,” he added.
