The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has mounted a sharp critique of the government over recent fuel price increases, questioning whether adequate economic buffers exist to shield Ghanaians from the impact.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament during deliberations on the business statement presented by the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, Afenyo-Markin said the development raises serious concerns about the government’s preparedness to manage external shocks affecting the economy.

The Minority Leader referenced earlier public assurances by the President that external economic pressures would not significantly destabilize Ghana’s economy if sufficient buffers were in place. He argued that the current surge in fuel prices appears to contradict those assurances and is placing an additional burden on ordinary citizens.

Afenyo-Markin therefore called on the government to provide clear evidence that it has established the necessary economic safeguards, including possible subsidies or other measures, to cushion the public from the rising cost of petroleum products.

According to him, transparency on the country’s economic buffers is essential to maintaining public confidence, particularly at a time when households and businesses are grappling with the ripple effects of higher fuel costs.

His comments sparked renewed debate in the House, with the Minority insisting that government must be held accountable for the impact of its economic policies, while the Majority defended the business statement and ongoing measures aimed at stabilizing the economy.