Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to remain firm in opposition, saying the party will continue to challenge the government through democratic and lawful means ahead of the 2028 elections.
Speaking at the 2026 NPP Delegates Conference on October 3, 2026, the Effutu Member of Parliament accused the John Mahama-led administration of using state power against critics while, in his view, failing to do enough to pursue major drug trafficking figures.
Afenyo-Markin questioned why individuals allegedly involved in large-scale drug trafficking had not been brought before the courts and convicted.
“Where are the big names behind the drugs? Where are the criminal convictions? And what does the government do with all its power? It goes after its critics,” he asked.
He also alleged that a number of opposition figures had faced arrest or detention over their public statements and activities. He mentioned Chairman Wuntumi, Kwame Abafo-Abronye, Dennis Miracle-Aboagye, Camila Alhassan, Baba Armando and Salome Awiti-Bafo.
The Minority Leader further criticised what he described as an attempt to arrest Mankessim South MP Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah at a courthouse after the legislator appeared as counsel in a bail application.
“We assure you all that we will defend our freedoms, insist on equal justice, and pursue accountability through lawful democratic means,” Afenyo-Markin said.
He also turned his attention to the judiciary, calling on judicial leaders to maintain their independence and political neutrality.
“Presidents come and go. Parties win and lose. But the bench must remain the bench. Its loyalty must be to the Constitution. Its purpose must be justice,” he said.
On the economy, Afenyo-Markin criticised what he described as the government’s failure to fulfil some of its campaign promises. He cited the implementation of the 24-hour economy, electricity tariffs and challenges confronting farmers among the issues he said remained a concern.
Despite his criticisms, the Minority Leader urged NPP members and supporters not to become discouraged by the current political situation.
“None of us should panic. No despair,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin maintained that the NPP would continue to hold the government accountable while using democratic channels to advance its opposition.
He ended his address with a direct message to party supporters, declaring that the NPP would remain committed to its opposition role despite what he described as attempts at intimidation.
“NDC won’t intimidate us; we will fight until victory in 2028,” he concluded.
