Public office demands integrity. Citizens rely on leaders to uphold truth and transparency, but in Ghana, political narratives often blur the line between fact and fiction. One such case that exemplifies this crisis is Alexander Afenyo-Markin, whose statements, dealings, and leadership at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) deserve closer scrutiny. This investigative report seeks to break down the inconsistencies, weigh the facts, and highlight the broader implications for governance.
The Wealth Claim at 25: A Narrative of Power or Reality?
During the vetting of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Afenyo-Markin boldly asserted that he was already a wealthy man by age 25. For the average Ghanaian, this raises immediate questions—how did he amass such fortune so quickly? What business ventures or legitimate sources of income contributed to his wealth? Given Ghana’s economic structure, early financial success is not impossible, but such claims demand verification.
Key Investigative Questions:
Income Sources: What records exist proving his business dealings or investments before politics? Financial Transparency: Has he publicly disclosed his financial statements for this period? Conflict of Interest: Were any political connections leveraged for financial gain?
If unanswered, these questions not only cast doubt on his credibility but also feed into the long-standing issue of political elites benefiting disproportionately from opaque systems.
Land Acquisitions in Winneba: The State vs. Private Ownership Debate
One of the most contested controversies surrounding Afenyo-Markin involves his land holdings in Winneba. His acquisition of these lands sparked concerns about whether they were state-owned properties leased to him under questionable circumstances.
What the Evidence Suggests:
Records from Local Land Authorities: Have official documents been made publicly accessible to verify ownership? Parliamentary Scrutiny: Were these lands part of any government allocation or influenced by political negotiations? Public Reactions: Residents and political analysts have raised concerns—what do community stakeholders say?
If legitimate proof contradicts his claims, it would indicate a larger trend of political figures exploiting state assets under private ownership arrangements. The need for land transparency and public oversight remains crucial.
ECG’s Missing Containers: A Case of Negligence or Corruption?
During his leadership at ECG, Afenyo-Markin faced scrutiny over the disappearance of over 1,300 containers filled with essential electrical materials. These containers, meant for ECG operations, vanished at Tema Port, sparking allegations of collusion between customs officials and ECG staff. Afenyo-Markin has deflected responsibility, arguing that the port authorities—not ECG—should be held accountable. However, critics question whether ECG’s procurement policies and oversight mechanisms were robust enough to prevent such losses.
ECG’s Fragmented Financial Management: Over 85 Bank Accounts
Another alarming revelation is ECG’s financial structure, which includes over 85 separate bank accounts. This fragmented system has been criticized for creating inefficiencies and increasing the risk of financial mismanagement. The lack of streamlined financial oversight raises concerns about whether funds are being properly tracked and utilized.
Investigative Questions That Demand Answers
Who authorized the procurement and tracking of the missing containers? Why does ECG operate such a high number of bank accounts, and who benefits from this structure? What measures were taken under Afenyo-Markin’s leadership to prevent financial mismanagement? Are there records of internal audits that verify ECG’s financial transactions?
Political Dealings: The Torkorno Meeting and Shadow Negotiations
Recent reports suggest that Afenyo-Markin has engaged in high-level discussions with influential figures, including Torkorno. While the details remain unclear, such meetings in Ghanaian politics are often associated with strategic power moves. What was discussed? Were public interests represented?
Red Flags in Political Negotiations:
Unpublicized Agreements: Why was this meeting held outside official governance discussions? Potential Power-Shifting Alliances: How does this meeting impact ongoing political struggles? Implications for Public Trust: Can citizens expect any policy shifts as a result of this engagement?
Secrecy in political maneuvering fuels speculation, often leading to governance decisions that prioritize personal interests over national progress.
The Call for Transparency and Investigative Action
Afenyo-Markin’s case is not unique. It represents a larger issue—leaders who operate in systems with minimal public scrutiny, allowing narratives to remain unchecked. Investigative efforts must push beyond political statements and demand verifiable proof.
What Needs to Happen:
1. Public Financial Disclosure Laws – Strengthening transparency laws for political figures’ financial records.
2. Independent Land Investigations – Audits on questionable acquisitions that involve state property.
3. State-Owned Enterprise Oversight – Independent reviews of ECG’s financial management to prevent fraud.
4. Civic Engagement & Whistleblower Protections – Encouraging citizens and insiders to expose irregularities.
Conclusion
Truth in governance is not negotiable. Leaders who fail to account for their actions weaken democratic trust. Afenyo-Markin’s wealth claims, land acquisitions, ECG financial mismanagement, and political dealings signal a need for deeper investigative scrutiny—not just for his case but as a precedent for ensuring accountability in Ghana’s political landscape. Citizens and institutions must demand answers—not just from individuals, but from the systems that enable such unchecked narratives.
Urgent Call for Investigation and Prosecution of Alexander Afenyo-Markin
To: Honourable Minister Dominic Akumperi Ayeni, Attorney General, and Minister for Justice
Cc: Ghanaian Civil Society Organizations, Media Outlets, Legal Experts
10th May 2025
Honourable Minister,
I write to formally urge your esteemed office to immediately investigate and prosecute Alexander Afenyo-Markin for critical governance failures, financial mismanagement, and ethical breaches during his tenure as a public office holder. The gravity of the allegations against him—ranging from questionable land acquisitions in Winneba to severe financial irregularities at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)—demands swift legal intervention to uphold transparency and public accountability.
Key Investigative Concerns:
1. Disappearance of Over 1,300 ECG Containers – Under Afenyo-Markin’s leadership at ECG, essential electrical materials intended for national infrastructure vanished at Tema Port, raising suspicions of collusion and financial misconduct.
2. ECG’s Fragmented Financial Management (85+ Bank Accounts) – The existence of over 85 separate bank accounts under his oversight at ECG exposes serious risks of financial mismanagement, inefficiencies, and possible misappropriation of public funds.
3. Questionable Land Acquisitions in Winneba – Allegations persist that state-owned lands were leased or acquired under questionable circumstances, reinforcing concerns over exploitation of national assets.
4. Unverified Wealth Claims – His assertion of being a self-made wealthy man by age 25, without transparent records of financial statements, raises questions about political profiteering and integrity in public service.
5. Shadow Negotiations & Political Manoeuvring – His recent engagements, including a meeting with Torkorno, further point to backroom dealings that undermine public trust.
Call for Immediate Action
Given the above concerns, I urge your office to:
Launch an independent forensic audit into ECG’s financial structure and procurement processes. Investigate the missing ECG containers to establish accountability for financial losses. Review land records and acquisitions linked to Afenyo-Markin, ensuring that state assets are safeguarded. Enforce public financial disclosure laws to prevent unchecked political profiteering. Initiate legal proceedings where necessary to prosecute any acts of corruption and abuse of office.
Ghana’s governance institutions must not allow individuals to evade accountability while citizens bear the consequences of mismanagement. Your leadership in ensuring justice will reinforce public trust and send a clear message that dishonesty and abuse of power will not be tolerated.
I urge swift and decisive action to uphold the principles of integrity, justice, and ethical leadership. I stand ready to support any efforts that bring **transparency and accountability** to public office.
Sincerely,
Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
on behalf of All Senior Citizens of Ghana
