Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on the government to release persons he describes as “political prisoners,” accusing the John Dramani Mahama-led administration of using state institutions to intimidate critics and political opponents.
The Effutu MP made the call while contributing to the debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson in Parliament on Thursday, July 23.
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, some opposition members and government critics are being targeted through prosecutions aimed at suppressing dissent and weakening political opposition.
He cited the case of Camilla Alhassan, whom he described as a political prisoner following her conviction and one-year sentence, as well as the 20-year prison sentence handed to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in a galamsey-related case.
The Minority Leader argued that the cases reflect what he called the government’s intolerance of criticism and an attempt to silence opposing voices.
“Dr Ato Forson, tell your government to free all political prisoners. Wontumi deserves justice. Camilla Alhassan deserves justice,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin further warned the government that political power is not permanent and urged it to exercise restraint in dealing with opponents.
He assured that the NPP would continue to scrutinise government actions and demand accountability despite what he described as attempts to intimidate the opposition.
“We’ll criticise you. We will hold your feet to account, and we’ll make sure you account for every cedi you spend,” he added.
