“My trucks were deliberately stopped” – Afenyo Markin narrates how Mahama helped him

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has revealed a moment from his past where former President John Dramani Mahama, then Vice President, came to his aid during a challenging time in his private business.

Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, Afenyo-Markin recounted how his transportation business faced politically motivated sabotage after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost power in 2008.

“They Said, That Boy Is an NPP Boy”

Afenyo-Markin explained that his trucks were consistently stopped at axle load stations across the country while others were allowed to pass freely. The only reason given was his perceived political affiliation.

“At each axle load station, my trucks were deliberately stopped while others were allowed to pass. The reason? They said, ‘That boy is an NPP boy,’” he revealed.

He further explained that he was operating a logistics route from Aflao to Buipe, transporting gypsum from Tabligbo in Togo to Diamond Cement in Aflao, then onward to the cement factory in Buipe.

Mahama Stepped In to Intervene

According to Afenyo-Markin, the disruption was so intense that his business partner had to seek help from then Vice President John Dramani Mahama.

“My partner had to rush to Vice President John Dramani Mahama, as he then was, and he intervened by calling the officers to order,” he said.

He added that he reminded Mahama of the critical role his shipments played in supporting the cement factory in the former Vice President’s home region, stressing the broader economic impact of the sabotage.

“If the Diamond Cement factory in Buipe didn’t receive limestone, they wouldn’t be able to produce cement — and that would affect his [Mahama’s] own region.”

A Call for a Fair Business Environment

The minority leader used the story to illustrate the challenges faced by entrepreneurs navigating politically charged business environments. He called on political leaders to create a fair and supportive atmosphere for all businesses, regardless of political affiliations.

“I needed to give you this background so that those of you in private business will relate so that we know where we are starting from and what is expected of us as a political class,” he said.

Public Reactions Stir Debate

Afenyo-Markin’s remarks have sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with users expressing mixed feelings.

One user posted,

“Talks like this shake my spine. Why can’t the political class create the business environment for all businesses to thrive? Just imagine the number of jobs that will be created. Sabotage, vindictiveness, wickedness, and greed are sending us backwards. Things must change.”

Another commenter questioned the sincerity of the story:

“What do you gain lying? Corrupt Mahama boys were harassing him and he reported to Mahama to stop his corrupt boys. Did he give him money or what?”

Some interpreted the statement as a subtle political maneuver.

“Decoding the message: ‘John, I have sinned, forgive me. I promise not to show my face or talk on any matters concerning government. Please, I will be a good boy.’”

Others urged Mahama to stay focused.

“The reset agenda doesn’t need these emotional interferences. Mahama should ignore all the negative energies and move like a train to execute his four-year mandate with perfection.”

Conclusion

Afenyo-Markin’s revelation has ignited an important national conversation about political interference in private business, highlighting the need for bipartisan efforts to create a business-friendly climate. Whether viewed as a plea for unity or a strategic political gesture, the story has once a