Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, January 26, 2026, Afenyo-Markin accused senior figures in the opposition party of positioning themselves for the presidency, creating tension and rivalry within the party’s leadership ranks.
According to him, the scramble for power has become so intense that it is now openly visible, even before the official campaign season begins.
“The NDC is divided because everybody wants power,” Afenyo-Markin said.
“Today, Chairman Asiedu Nketiah says he is embarking on a so-called ‘thank you’ tour, and at the same time, the Vice President is preparing to become president.”
The Minority Leader alleged that behind the scenes, strategic alliances are already being formed in anticipation of the next election cycle.
He claimed that there are reports suggesting Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has selected Haruna Iddrisu as her preferred running mate for a future presidential bid.
“Recently, we heard that the Vice President has chosen Haruna Iddrisu as her running mate,” he stated, adding that other senior government officials are also preparing to contest.
Afenyo-Markin further alleged that the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, is also eyeing the presidency, with plans to partner NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey as his running mate.
“We have also heard that the Chief of Staff is preparing to contest, and his running mate will be the General Secretary, Fifii Kwetey,” he claimed.
He argued that these emerging ambitions are weakening party unity and could destabilize the NDC if not properly managed.
“Recently, we heard that the Vice President has chosen Haruna Iddrisu as her running mate,” he stated, adding that other senior government officials are also preparing to contest.
Afenyo-Markin further alleged that the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, is also eyeing the presidency, with plans to partner NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey as his running mate.
“We have also heard that the Chief of Staff is preparing to contest, and his running mate will be the General Secretary, Fifii Kwetey,” he claimed.
He argued that these emerging ambitions are weakening party unity and could destabilize the NDC if not properly managed.
According to him, rather than focusing on governance and national development, party leaders are now more concerned about positioning themselves for future power.
Beyond internal party politics, Afenyo-Markin also questioned the government’s recent claims that Ghana’s improving economic indicators are the result of sound leadership and effective management.
While acknowledging that there has been a noticeable improvement in some areas of the economy, the Minority Leader insisted that the gains should not be credited mainly to government policies.
“We have been told that the economy is doing well, and that is not in doubt,” he said.
Beyond internal party politics, Afenyo-Markin also questioned the government’s recent claims that Ghana’s improving economic indicators are the result of sound leadership and effective management.
While acknowledging that there has been a noticeable improvement in some areas of the economy, the Minority Leader insisted that the gains should not be credited mainly to government policies.
“We have been told that the economy is doing well, and that is not in doubt,” he said.
“But the real question is whether the economy is improving because of prudent management or simply because of external support and temporary interventions.”
He dismissed government narratives that attribute the recovery to strong economic leadership, arguing instead that the turnaround is largely the result of external assistance and structural factors beyond the administration’s control.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the Minority caucus believes the current stability has little to do with deliberate policy decisions by the government.
“We submit that these so-called gains were not born out of the government’s competence in managing the economy,” he stated firmly.
He explained that key drivers of the recent economic recovery include Ghana’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, ongoing debt restructuring efforts, increased commodity exports, and significant reductions in public expenditure.
“Rather, the IMF programme, debt relief, rising commodity exports and reduced government spending are the main reasons for the current upswing,” he added.
The Minority Leader warned against what he described as attempts by the government to take undue credit for improvements that were largely driven by external support mechanisms.
His remarks come at a time when Ghana’s political landscape is beginning to heat up, with both major parties gradually shifting attention toward the 2028 elections.
Although the NDC has not officially announced any presidential contenders, the comments by Afenyo-Markin have reignited debate about internal unity within the party and the growing influence of early power calculations.
So far, the NDC leadership has not publicly responded to the allegations.
He dismissed government narratives that attribute the recovery to strong economic leadership, arguing instead that the turnaround is largely the result of external assistance and structural factors beyond the administration’s control.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the Minority caucus believes the current stability has little to do with deliberate policy decisions by the government.
“We submit that these so-called gains were not born out of the government’s competence in managing the economy,” he stated firmly.
He explained that key drivers of the recent economic recovery include Ghana’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, ongoing debt restructuring efforts, increased commodity exports, and significant reductions in public expenditure.
“Rather, the IMF programme, debt relief, rising commodity exports and reduced government spending are the main reasons for the current upswing,” he added.
The Minority Leader warned against what he described as attempts by the government to take undue credit for improvements that were largely driven by external support mechanisms.
His remarks come at a time when Ghana’s political landscape is beginning to heat up, with both major parties gradually shifting attention toward the 2028 elections.
Although the NDC has not officially announced any presidential contenders, the comments by Afenyo-Markin have reignited debate about internal unity within the party and the growing influence of early power calculations.
So far, the NDC leadership has not publicly responded to the allegations.
However, political observers say the claims highlight the delicate balance opposition parties must maintain between preparing for future leadership transitions and preserving internal cohesion.