Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin has sharply criticised the government over delays in payments to cocoa farmers and what he described as a persistent failure in the fight against illegal mining.
Addressing the media, the Minority Leader said cocoa farmers across the country are under severe financial strain and called on the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance to act without delay.
“Our cocoa farmers are crying for payment. The Ministries of Agriculture and Finance must pay our cocoa farmers,” he demanded.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin also accused the government of incompetence in addressing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to threaten water bodies, farmlands, and livelihoods.
“This government has proven utterly incompetent in fighting illegal mining,” he stated.
Touching on parliamentary oversight, the Minority Leader reiterated the opposition’s commitment to responsible governance, stressing that criticism of government policies should not be misconstrued as obstruction.
“The Minority will be firm but fair; opposition is not sabotage,” he emphasised.
He further described the government’s gold reserves policy as harmful to the national interest, warning that its implementation could worsen economic challenges.
“The gold reserves policy amounts to self-inflicted national sabotage,” he added.
The comments come amid heightened political debate over economic management, natural resource governance, and the welfare of key stakeholders, particularly farmers and mining-affected communities.