Ghana’s Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called for the immediate dismissal of two senior officials appointed by President John Mahama, citing “inflammatory and violence-endorsing statements.”
The demand targets Dr. Hanna Bissiw, Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, and Malik Basintale, CEO of the National Employment Agency.
In a press release, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary caucus accused both officials who also hold executive roles in the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of undermining democratic stability. Afenyo-Markin specifically linked their rhetoric to recent violence during the Ablekuma North by-election rerun on July 11, where NPP figures and journalists were assaulted.
“President Mahama must dismiss them within 48 hours,” the statement declared, holding the president directly responsible for escalating tensions. The Minority warned that failure to act would jeopardize Ghana’s democratic integrity, vowing, “We will not rest until Ghana’s democracy is secured.”
The NDC has previously defended Bissiw and Basintale, framing their comments as responses to opposition provocation. Bissiw, the NDC’s National Women’s Organizer, and Basintale, its Deputy Communications Officer, faced criticism for remarks the NPP claims incited violence.
This clash intensifies political friction under Mahama’s administration, which faces mounting pressure to address electoral security after multiple assaults during the Ablekuma North vote. The Police Professional Standards Bureau continues investigating an officer’s attack on a journalist during the rerun.