The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has accused the Mahama government of awarding lucrative contracts to foreign entities instead of to indigenous Ghanaian companies.
The Effutu MP questioned the pattern of contract allocations, urging authorities to prioritise local businesses while asserting that a review of parliamentary records would show that some of the most lucrative state contracts are awarded to foreign firms.
“Look, when this government came into office, I won’t list them, but go to Parliament and look at the order paper. The juiciest contracts are going to foreigners. I won’t mention now… but look at the order papers from day one,” he alleged, speaking on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV on 6 April 2026.
He lamented such decisions, arguing that the treatment of foreign entities is more liberal than that of local businesses.
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“No one has said anything, and nobody sees anything wrong. I am not saying that a Ghanaian business must not be subjected to any scrutiny, but it is quite concerning that when a Ghanaian business is succeeding, we are up in arms against how it’s succeeding. So, we have to look at it properly,” he stated.
The Minority Leader further urged President John Dramani Mahama to take deliberate steps to ensure Ghanaian-owned businesses benefit more from state contracts, calling on the government to adopt a more equitable approach in awarding contracts, especially to indigenous companies.
“Mr President, I would beg of you, look critically at every single contract that gets out there and at least make sure, if not all, it should be 50-50. Mr President. We must be deliberate. Get all the ministers to be deliberate,” he said
Afenyo-Markin clarified that his stance is not against foreign participation in Ghana’s economy but rather advocates equal opportunity and intentional support for local businesses.
“And it’s not just being a Ghanaian company, but an indigenous-owned Ghanaian company. You can have a Ghanaian company, foreign-owned. By the way, I’m not against a foreigner investing in Ghana. I am also not against foreign investment in Ghana. I am not anti-foreign investor, but what I’m saying is that we must grow our own,” he clarified.
The Minority Leader emphasised that while ideological debates can be passionate and emotional, politicians must never lose sight of core values such as respect and love for one another.
He noted that expressing strong political opinions is acceptable, but one must avoid crossing red lines that can damage personal or professional relationships.
According to him, even when emotions run high, reactions should remain political, not personal.
“Once these ideological arguments come into play, expect some passion, expect some emotions, but that does not take away your core values of showing love, of showing respect. Overwhelming numbers in the chamber are centrist; they believe there must be fierce political debate, but relationships must be kept.
“Mine is not to go emotional and personal in reaction. I must react politically, and then we can have a political solution.
“If, for instance, stating the facts will cost relationships, I am ready for it. I have that at the back of my mind, and I’m going to lose some friends. I’m going to lose some relationships because you need to speak the bitter truth. But I’m also careful about how I speak the bitter truth,” he remarked.
Mr Afenyo-Markin reminded colleagues that opposition today may become government tomorrow, and measured language ensures politicians leave room for future cooperation.
“You must be measured in language… You hit the government a bit and give the government space to operate. Because eventually, when you also come into office, you need space to operate. Don’t be too hard on the government,” he added.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also assessed the current political climate and voter sentiment, claiming that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) would be taken aback by the outcome if elections were conducted today, citing what he describes as growing public dissatisfaction.
Afenyo-Markin argued that global political trends indicate that governments failing to prioritise local interests risk losing public support, warning the NDC against complacency.
“Listen, the way world politics is going, if you don’t domesticate, you collapse. And NDC should not take things for granted. There’s a huge disappointment out there. They will be shocked if elections are held today. What happened to us in 2024 theirs will be worse.” he said.
Despite his criticism, he indicated that his concerns are rooted in national development rather than partisan interest, stressing that the success of any government ultimately benefits all Ghanaians.
“I wish them well, though, because if the country succeeds. All of us will benefit. So I’m not looking at it from a political lens, but from the national interest,” he stated.
