Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has issued a stern warning to young beneficiaries of government microcredit initiatives, urging them to diligently honour their loan repayment obligations.
He stressed that a growing trend of defaulting on these loans jeopardises the sustainability of such vital support schemes and undermines broader youth empowerment efforts.
Speaking at the Northern Ghana Development Conference on Monday, July 21, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the challenges faced when beneficiaries fail to repay.
He cited an instance involving former Majority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, in which he had to personally fund a tractor for his constituents, while in opposition.
“But how many of the farmers who benefited from the tractor actually paid back?” Afenyo-Markin questioned, noting that the gesture ultimately put Iddrisu in a difficult position.
He shared similar personal experiences from Winneba, where he provided outboard motors and a boat to support local fishing communities.
“They took the motors, didnt pay, and some of them even built houses. I have a boat, and Ive not enjoyed one single cedi from it, he lamented.
Afenyo-Markin underscored that state-sponsored economic support is not a handout but a “revolving opportunity” designed to uplift multiple generations.
“When the support comes by way of microcredit, it is not for free,” he asserted.
“One of the problems we have as your political leaders is that when we invest in you to become economically empowered, you often forget that beyond you, there are others who must also benefit,” he added.
The Minority Leader pointed out that when such interventions are not repaid, the blame often falls unfairly on political leaders, transforming into a political tool.
This, he explained, can lead to elected officials being voted out, while the cycle of non-repayment continues to affect potential future beneficiaries.
Afenyo-Markin called for a candid national dialogue between political leaders and their constituents regarding the true purpose and inherent responsibilities tied to social intervention programs.
“We must begin to let our people know that when funds come from the state, they must be paid back so that your brother, your sister can also benefit. Its a two-way affair, he said.
AS/VPO
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