Let’s Address Public Discontent To Prevent Youth Agitations – Afenyo-Markin

The Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has cautioned the urgent need for the political elite to collaboratively take proactive measures to address public discontent in order to prevent agitations and protests.

Reflecting on the recent protests that rocked Kenya, the Effutu MP said the underlying causes of public discontent must be tackled collectively, irrespective 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.

“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.”

Mr Afenyo-Markin shared these sentiments in a statement on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday July 3, 2024.

Tamale South lawmaker, Haruna Iddrisu in a contribution charged the government to take steps to avoid a Kenya-like situation in Ghana.

Member for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea on his part argued no youth have the right to embark on a riot leading to destruction of properties like witnessed in Kenya regardless of their concerns

Bawku Central MP and immediate past spokesperson for Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Mahama Ayariga however argued that the increasing levels of discontent on the continent is a threat that has left many governments falling.

Western Regional Minister and MP for Takoradi, Kwabena Otchere Darko Mensah on his part charged his colleagues to lock themselves up in the chamber if need be and works out solutions for pacify the youth of the country to avoid such riots.

On his part, Ododiodiodio MP Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, one of the Ghanaian lawmakers who was locked in the Kenyan parliament during the protests and violence called for urgency in addressing the issue of 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.

“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.”