Afenyo-Markin Warns of Youth-Led Uprising Amid Rising Voter Apathy

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has raised concerns over the growing disengagement of Ghanaian voters, particularly the youth, cautioning that continued neglect by political leaders could provoke a nationwide backlash.

Speaking during the commissioning of a new court complex in Winneba on Wednesday, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the troubling voter turnout figures from recent elections, describing them as a clear sign of eroding trust in the political system.

“It’s alarming that Accra—the heart of our democracy—recorded just over 50 percent turnout, with Ashanti and Volta regions also falling below expectations at 64 and 63 percent,” he noted. “These figures should be a wake-up call for the political class.”

He warned that if steps aren’t taken to rebuild faith in governance, Ghana could face a wave of unrest led by disillusioned young people.

“If we remain complacent, we might be caught off guard by a youth uprising,” he warned, emphasizing the urgency of restoring public trust.

The Effutu MP made these comments during the formal handover of a court facility he helped develop as part of a broader infrastructure plan. The facility, built on a two-acre plot, will eventually host offices for key state agencies and security services.

The court complex features 11 private offices with washrooms, two storage rooms, and a police post complete with a holding cell and armoury.

Reflecting on the country’s democratic evolution, Afenyo-Markin—recently enstooled as “Osahene” of the Effutu Traditional Area—lamented the declining enthusiasm for voting, contrasting current trends with past elections.

“Even under President Kufuor, we saw around 60 percent turnout when democratic participation was thought to be at its peak,” he said. “We must take this seriously. If the people, especially the youth, lose faith in our democracy, the consequences could be dire.”

His remarks served as both a stark warning and a call to action for leaders to re-engage the electorate and strengthen the democratic fabric of the nation.