Afenyo-Markin Cautions Africa Political Class on Increasing Youth Uprising
The Majority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Kwabena Afenyo-Markin, has cautioned the political class to be wary of recent youth uprisings on the African continent.
This comes days after the youth of Kenya protested against the introduction of new taxes, leading to the torching of Parliament. Tanzanians have followed suit.
The Kenyan riot left five Ghanaian MPs who had visited the parliament of that country stranded.
In a statement on the floor of parliament on Wednesday, July 3, regarding the developments in Kenya, Mr. Afenyo-Markin implored the political class to work together in taking proactive steps to address the underlying causes of public discontent.
“Mr. Speaker, the consequences may be dire for our stability. Throughout history, frustrations and disillusionment among the masses, including the youth, have led to significant social and political unrest. The recent Gen Z activism in Kenya serves as a stark warning.”
“To prevent such scenarios in Ghana, it is imperative that the political class collaboratively take proactive and comprehensive measures to address the underlying causes of public discontent. Our preoccupation with political maneuvering should not blind us to the reality of public expectations,” the Majority Leader and MP for Effutu said.
Contributing to the statement, MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, warned of the looming danger in Africa’s political sphere and urged the Ghanaian government to take steps to avoid a Kenya-like situation.
On his part, the MP for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, contended that the youth have no right to riot and destroy state property as witnessed in Kenya, regardless of their concerns.
Similarly, the MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, asserted that the rising levels of disgruntlement on the continent are a threat that has led to the fall of many governments. He cited neighboring West African countries where political upheavals have led to unconstitutional military interventions, a trend fasts sweeping the sub-regional bloc.
Western Regional Minister , Kwabena Otchere Darko Mensah charged MPs to lock themselves up in the chamber if necessary and work out solutions to pacify the youth of the country and avoid such riots.
The MP for Odododiodio, Nii Lante Vanderpuiye, who was caught up in the Kenyan riot, did not mince words as he agreed with his colleagues and attributed the increasing uprisings to bad leadership in Africa, which seems to be playing with fire with an open display of impunity.
On his part, the MP for Manhyia South and Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, questioned why some Ghanaians seem to be wishing for a repeat of what happened in Kenya in Ghana, arguing there is no excuse whatsoever for the actions of the Gen Z.
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Source: Felix Nyaaba // expressnewsghana.com