Address public discontent or face agitations and protests – Afenyo-Markin warns politicians

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has warned the political class to collaboratively take proactive measures to address public discontent to prevent agitations and protests.

Reflecting on the recent protests that rocked Kenya on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 3, 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.”

Ododiodiodio MP Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, who witnessed the Kenya protests and violence, also 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.”