Afenyo-Markin Must Be Schooled on What Social Interventions Are – NDC’s Lawrence Lamptey

Deputy Greater Accra Regional Secretary hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Lawrence Lamptey, has taken on Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over his definition of social interventions, saying the NPP stalwart has a “very narrow understanding” of the concept.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, June 27, 2026, Lamptey argued that social interventions are not limited to cash transfers or welfare handouts. He said they encompass every deliberate government policy aimed at improving the welfare, security, economic opportunities, and quality of life of citizens.

“The Greatest Social Intervention is Restoring Hope”
According to Lamptey, the single most important intervention of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has been to restore hope to Ghanaians after what he described as years of economic hardship and governance challenges under the previous government.

“After years of economic hardship, allegations of corruption, concerns over state capture, politicisation of public institutions, land grabbing, excessive political appointments, and governance challenges under the previous administration, Ghanaians overwhelmingly voted for change and entrusted the NDC with the responsibility of rebuilding the nation,” he stated.

He recalled that the previous administration presided over “one of the most difficult economic periods in Ghana’s recent history,” marked by record inflation, rapid depreciation of the Ghana Cedi, high lending rates, rising unemployment, business closures, and declining investor confidence.

Macroeconomic Stability as a Social Intervention
Lamptey said the Mahama government’s biggest policy win so far has been the restoration of macroeconomic stability. He pointed to a relatively stable Ghana Cedi, declining inflation, renewed investor confidence, and improved business sentiment.

“The relative stability of the Ghana Cedi, declining inflation, renewed investor confidence and improved business sentiment have begun restoring confidence in the economy. Businesses can plan with greater certainty, consumers have become more optimistic, and the fear of relentless price increases has gradually eased,” he noted.

He added that a stable economy is itself a social intervention because it reduces the daily stress on households and gives businesses the confidence to hire and invest.

Completing Projects and Cutting Waste
The NDC communicator also highlighted the government’s decision to complete abandoned and ongoing infrastructure projects regardless of which party initiated them. He described it as a shift from partisan politics to national development.

“Key road projects, educational infrastructure, health facilities and other public investments are receiving renewed attention to ensure value for taxpayers’ money,” he said.

Lamptey further cited the reduction in the size of government as a fiscal intervention. By appointing fewer ministers and cutting the cost of political administration, he said, the government has freed up resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and industrial development.

ORAL, Tax Relief, and State Enterprises
Another key area, he argued, is accountability. The government’s “Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)” initiative, he said, is a social intervention because it seeks to recover state assets, reclaim public lands, and ensure accountability for the misuse of public resources.

“Recovering state assets and protecting national wealth for future generations helps strengthen public confidence in state institutions,” Lamptey argued.

He also pointed to the removal of what many Ghanaians called “nuisance taxes,” including the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) and the betting tax. “These measures have increased disposable income and reduced the cost of doing business,” he said.

The statement further noted renewed government attention to strategic state-owned enterprises such as GIHOC Distilleries, Tema Oil Refinery, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation. Lamptey said this reflects a commitment to industrial growth, job creation, and economic self-reliance.

Direct Interventions for Citizens
Beyond macro reforms, Lamptey listed direct social programmes already impacting Ghanaians. These include the distribution of free sanitary pads to schoolgirls, the “No Fees Stress” initiative for first-year tertiary students, the Mahama Cares Fund for patients with life-threatening diseases, and the rollout of 24-hour markets to stimulate local commerce.

He also referenced improvements in governance, accountability, and youth employment and social protection initiatives as part of the broader intervention agenda.

“Taken together, these policies demonstrate that social intervention is not merely about handing out benefits; it is about creating an environment where citizens can live with dignity, businesses can thrive, public resources are protected and the economy works for everyone,” he said.

A Call for Evidence-Based Debate
Lamptey closed by criticizing Afenyo-Markin for what he called partisan rhetoric that reduces national policy to narrow talking points.

“It is therefore unfortunate that the Minority Leader continues to reduce national policy discussions to partisan rhetoric. As a senior parliamentarian, Mr. Afenyo-Markin is expected to elevate public discourse through constructive criticism supported by evidence rather than statements that overlook the broader impact of government policy. Ghana deserves a more informed and responsible national conversation,” he stated.