On Wednesday, July 3, Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, urged the political class to work together to address public discontent and prevent potential agitations and protests.
Reflecting on recent protests in Kenya, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of public discontent collectively, regardless of political affiliation. “The recent Gen Z activism in Kenya serves as a striking warning. To prevent such scenarios in Ghana, it is imperative that the political class collaboratively take proactive and comprehensive measures to address the underlying causes of public discontent,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of aligning political efforts with public expectations. “Our preoccupation with political manoeuvring should not blind us to the reality of public expectations. Let us recommit to a national agenda that not only leverages the potential of our youth but also unlocks the massive development potential often associated with a demographic dividend,” Afenyo-Markin added.
Echoing these sentiments, Ododiodiodio MP Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, who witnessed the protests and violence in Kenya, highlighted the urgency of addressing youth unemployment. “We should not be deceived. Yes, we can preach and preach and preach peace all the time. But when people think that the impunity of the political class is beyond their endurance, they will definitely react,” he said.
Vanderpuye also raised concerns about the public’s perception of government institutions. “Today, as we sit here, the perception out there is that the executive is corrupt. The judiciary has become a political pawn. We, the legislature, are selfish and uncaring, and they have low expectations of our ability to fight for them. And that is a danger,” he warned.
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