Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has acknowledged that the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) handling of Ghana's economic challenges contributed to its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

He admitted that decisions taken by the Akufo-Addo administration, particularly the domestic debt exchange programme and the decision to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), left many Ghanaians dissatisfied.

Speaking in an interview with DW Africa on Friday, October 30, 2026, Afenyo-Markin conceded that the government's economic difficulties influenced voters' decisions, with some staying away from the polls while others voted against the NPP.

"Obviously, people were not happy. Some decided not to vote at all. Others decided to punish our government," he said.

NPP's 2024 Election loss was not due to poor governance but storm of adversity – Afenyo-Markin

He explained that external factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic had contributed to the economic difficulties, affecting both developing and advanced economies.

According to him, the government had to take difficult decisions to stabilise the economy, including restructuring the country's debt and seeking an IMF programme to restore confidence.

"One was going to the IMF for policy credibility. Second was also to look at the domestic debt exchange programme, restructuring government debt," he stated.

His comments come amid continued discussions about the reasons behind the NPP's defeat after eight years in government.

Asked whether he would have handled the economic situation differently if given another opportunity, Afenyo-Markin said it would depend on the circumstances at the time.

"It depends on the facts. You cannot be hypothetical. You would have to look at the real facts that are before you," he stated.

He argued, however, that a deliberate policy to strengthen the private sector would be critical to creating sustainable employment opportunities.

He also called for greater investment in technical and vocational training, arguing that Ghana must equip young people with practical skills rather than concentrate largely on traditional academic qualifications.

He said the previous NPP administration introduced free skills training to address the gap and provide more opportunities for young people.

Afenyo-Markin said the party must learn from its electoral setback and show greater commitment to policies that improve Ghanaians' lives.

NA/SEA

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