Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has accused the Mahama administration of presiding over "failure, scandal, and deepening suffering." Madam Patricia Appiagyei, the Deputy Minority Leader, delivered this message in Parliament. She stated the government oversaw the return of "dumsor," a term for power outages. This situation has brought growing anxieties to many Ghanaians. The arrest of New Patriotic Party (NPP) members for social media posts about "dumsor" was condemned. This action was called "an assault on democracy." Madam Appiagyei cited the alleged detention of an organiser for posting about "Dumsor is back." She noted this occurred under a government that promised to end it. Businesses, hospitals, and students are suffering the consequences. She demanded a clear plan from the Energy Minister to end load-shedding. The plan must be costed and time-bound.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) recorded significant financial distress. Its 2025 audited accounts showed combined losses of GHS 34.9 billion. This pushed its negative equity to GHS 93.82 billion. A large portion of reported income, GHS 9.6 billion, came from selling gold reserves. Madam Appiagyei questioned why GHS 14.61 billion was paid in interest to commercial banks. This happened while the central bank bled funds. She called the GHS 93.82 billion negative equity a crisis. The institution that issues currency should not face such a situation. She demanded a joint hearing. The Finance and Economy Committees should meet the Governor.
Concerns were also raised about the Damang Mine lease. Madam Appiagyei questioned its award to Engineers and Planners Company Limited. This company belongs to Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, the President’s brother. The lease is valued between $600 million and $1 billion. She described the deal as "a questionable transaction." It was dressed up as due process. While the President reportedly recused himself from a meeting, presidential appointees allegedly completed the deal. This suggested "delegation, not recusal." A full parliamentary probe was demanded. The Lands and Natural Resources Minister and Minerals Commission CEO must provide documents. Beneficial ownership records are also required.
Madam Appiagyei touched on foreign affairs and citizen safety. She mentioned the detention of an MP in the Netherlands. Xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa were noted. Eight Ghanaian tomato traders were killed in Burkina Faso. Ghanaians in the Gulf face risks amid Iran-Israel hostilities. She stated the Foreign Affairs Ministry acted only after pressure. The Minority Leader's intervention at the ECOWAS Parliament was cited. She demanded an African Union (AU) coalition strategy. A parliamentary-approved reintegration plan for returnees is needed. An early warning framework for Ghanaians abroad was also called for.
Regarding the African Senior Athletics Championships, Madam Appiagyei called it "an international embarrassment." Ghana hosted the event in May. Participants faced a lack of blankets and food shortages. The timing system failed, and transport was poor. She demanded a full House hearing. A written World Cup preparedness plan was also requested.
The Deputy Minority Leader presented eight immediate demands. These include releasing those detained for political speech. A probe into the Damang Mine deal is sought. Hearings on the Bank of Ghana and athletics failures are requested. Briefings on the safety of Ghanaians abroad are also demanded. Parliament's role is to speak when the Executive fails. It must firmly address abuses of power. Parliament reconvened on Thursday for its Second Sitting. This is part of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament. The House had adjourned for the Easter break on March 27, 2026.