Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused President John Dramani Mahama of worsening unemployment by scrapping flagship programmes introduced under the Akufo-Addo administration.
Speaking at the Asante Students Union’s grand durbar at the University of Ghana, the Effutu MP said initiatives such as One District, One Factory (1D1F) and tax exemptions had spurred investment and created jobs. Their cancellation, he argued, has discouraged investors and slowed down economic growth.
“Nearly one in four Ghanaians wakes up each day without a job. With unemployment officially around 15 percent, this is no longer just an economic challenge, it’s a threat to national security,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin cautioned.
He warned that scrapping 1D1F and suspending tax waivers had “killed opportunities for sustainable employment” and urged young people to be innovative in creating their own opportunities, even as they demand a more enabling environment from government.
The Minority Leader also expressed concern over rising unpaid loans, revealing that small businesses owe MASLOC over GH¢291 million after 12 years, while banks recorded more than GH¢654 million in bad debts in just five months this year.
He further noted the growing trend of mobile money loan defaults, warning that borrowers disappearing into “digital darkness” posed risks to the country’s financial stability.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin called on government to adopt business-friendly policies that would inspire innovation, attract investment, and drive sustainable job creation.
