Afenyo Markin criticizes lack of female representation in Mahama’s gov’t.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin has expressed strong reservations about President John Mahama’s ministerial appointments, citing a disproportionate lack of female representation despite the National Democratic Congress (NDC) having over 30 female parliamentarians.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament during the debate to approve the first batch of vetted ministers on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Afenyo-Markin stated that since the Affirmative Action Law has been passed to empower women, they deserve equal appointments into office as the men.

He argued that only a few women were given substantive ministerial appointments. He advised that President Mahama have confidence in the abilities of women and allow them to serve in ministerial positions.

“Is it the case that we are matching them for deputy ministerial appointments? That is not right. Is it the case that our women cannot be second-class appointees? Mr. President must demonstrate his belief in the capacity, capability, and competencies of our women. And he must demonstrate that,” he stated.

Comparing the previous government to this current government, he explained that the Akufo-Addo administration demonstrated that women have equal capacity as men, and that was manifested in all his appointments.

In his remarks, the Minority Leader also appealed to the NDC to invite a representation of all shades of opinion. 

“It’s essential that all stakeholders have a voice in government, but unfortunately, indigenous girls are noticeably absent from this administration,” he said.