Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged young Ghanaians to speak out against injustice and actively defend their constitutional rights.
Speaking at the 2026 National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) on September 21, Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed concern about what he described as growing pressure on Ghana’s civic space and fundamental freedoms.
He referenced recent arrests involving individuals accused of publishing misleading information about the government, warning that young people should not remain silent when constitutional rights are at risk.
“Ghana’s civic space is rapidly shrinking, and constitutional liberties are facing systemic and statutory pressure. Freedom of speech and the right to expression, as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, are being curtailed,” he said.
The Minority Leader said protecting democracy would require citizens, particularly the youth, to ask difficult questions and sometimes take positions that may not be popular.
“The lesson for us today, particularly for the young people gathered here, is that silence in the face of injustice can never be a foundation of a free society,” he added.
He further urged young people to exercise their freedoms with courage and responsibility, noting that Ghana’s democratic rights were secured through the sacrifices of previous generations.
“There will be moments when speaking up is uncomfortable, when asking difficult questions is unpopular, and when defending the rights of others carries a personal cost. But democracy depends on citizens who are prepared to speak with courage, reason and responsibility,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
The 2026 NELEF was held under the theme, “Building Africa’s Future: Emerging Leaders Driving Inclusive Growth and Regional Transformation.”
