The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the Majority and the Speaker’s office of using procedural tactics to block debate on the mass dismissal of young people from public sector jobs, warning that Parliament has failed in its duty to protect livelihoods.
Addressing the media in Parliament at the D. F Annan auditorium at a media Engagement dubbed HOLDING GOVERNMENT TO ACCOUNT , Afenyo-Markin recalled campaign promises surrounding the much-touted 24-hour economy, which he said were presented as a solution to unemployment through round-the-clock work systems, including in agriculture and commerce. According to him, those assurances have not translated into jobs, but rather widespread job losses.
He cited a letter from the Chief of Staff that allegedly triggered the dismissals, noting that some of the affected workers had been employed since as far back as 2017. When the Minority introduced a motion to interrogate the directive, he said the Majority responded with a preliminary objection that effectively shut down debate.
Afenyo-Markin claimed the First Deputy Speaker delivered a written ruling on the objection even before arguments were heard, describing the decision as “repugnant.” He added that a subsequent motion seeking a review of the ruling was also blocked, denying the Minority a voice in the House.
“It has taken eight months, and Parliament has still not allowed a full debate on an issue that directly affects the livelihoods of young people and the possible restoration of their jobs,” he said.
The Minority Leader further accused the Speaker of repeatedly postponing the matter on procedural grounds, preventing the House from concluding deliberations before Parliament’s next session, scheduled to resume on February 10, 2026.
Despite the setbacks, Afenyo-Markin assured unemployed youth that the Minority would continue to press the matter. “We will not relax. We will fight for them until their jobs are restored,” he declared.
The Majority has yet to formally respond to the Minority Leader’s claims.
Story Sheila Otuo – Baffour