All You Care About Is Holidays, Holidays; You Won’t Prioritize Job Creation or Keep Your Promises – Afenyo-Markin Blasts Gov’t

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has launched a scathing critique of the government for what he describes as “a clear case of misplaced priorities,” as it rushes to amend the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601) under a certificate of urgency.

Speaking passionately on the floor of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin questioned why symbolic gestures like renaming or adding holidays are being fast-tracked while crucial national reforms remain untouched.

“Holiday, holiday, holiday—that’s all they care about. But a government that doesn’t prioritise job creation or keeping its promises has lost the plot,” he charged.

He condemned the Majority for neglecting critical legislative commitments while fixating on public holidays.

“They won’t table the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, they won’t bring the anti-galamsey law they promised, and the 24-hour economy bill is nowhere to be found. But when it comes to holidays—they move with urgency. Go ahead. We’re not part of it.”

While affirming respect for Ghana’s heritage and the importance of inclusive national observances, Afenyo-Markin criticised the use of a certificate of urgency for what he called “a feel-good distraction.”

“Urgency certificates are meant for national crises—not calendar changes.”

The Minority Leader also questioned the decision to prioritise reinstating July 1 (Republic Day) as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving—one of President Mahama’s campaign promises.

“Yes, keep your promises,” he said. “But why push this one ahead of others that actually improve people’s lives?”

He went on to list a litany of unfulfilled promises and stalled legislation:

• Property Rights of Spouses Bill – Still pending, despite promises to advance women’s rights in marriage.

• Domestic Workers Bill – Absent from the legislative agenda.

• Intestate Succession Amendment Bill – Still not addressed.

• Scholarship Reform Bill – No sign, despite a 90-day promise to end politicisation.

• Import duty reforms and ban reversal on salvaged vehicles – No visible progress.

• Anti-corruption and conflict of interest laws – No draft bills introduced.

• Constitutional reforms (election of MMDCEs, ex-gratia abolition) – Stuck in limbo.

Afenyo-Markin also criticised the government’s handling of flagship initiatives like the One-District-One-Factory, which he claims is being allowed to “die in silence,” and the failure to combat illegal mining through concrete legislative action.

On the stalled Anti-LGBT+ Bill, he accused the ruling party of hypocrisy:

“When in opposition, they shouted the loudest. Now in power, they go mute. That’s not leadership—it’s manipulation.”

He warned that the government’s preference for symbolic victories over substantive reforms shows a dangerous disconnect from the real concerns of Ghanaians.

“Where is the urgency on job creation? Youth employment? Anti-corruption? Ghanaians cannot live on symbolism.”

Afenyo-Markin concluded by reaffirming the Minority’s willingness to support impactful reforms but cautioned the government to realign its priorities.

“We’re not against celebrating Republic Day or our Muslim brothers and sisters. But don’t misuse urgency to push fluff while real reforms gather dust. Get your priorities straight.”