I was victimised for attempting reforms at GWL – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has opened up about his failed attempt to reform the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWL) as Board Chair, revealing that he was relentlessly hounded for trying to push much-needed changes in the sector.

During the vetting of the Deputy Energy Minister-Designate, Afenyo-Markin used his personal experience as a cautionary tale, warning that entrenched political and bureaucratic resistance often blocks genuine reform efforts in key state institutions.

“I tried to reform Ghana Water, and I rather became the victim. It makes me sad as a politician because we don’t support each other for real reforms,” he lamented.

He bemoaned the recurring pattern where bold reformers face resistance from vested interests, leading to stagnation and inefficiencies that persist across successive governments.

Afenyo-Markin’s comments come in the wake of discussions on the possible privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), a move that has faced significant opposition from various quarters.

Drawing from his Ghana Water experience, he cautioned the Deputy Energy Minister-Designate, Gyan-Mensah to be prepared for resistance but urged him to remain steadfast.

“If you are not assertive, you will spend your time there, come back, and find the same political football being played. The system will fight you, but you must be bold and push for real reforms,” he urged.