The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, urged young Ghanaians to speak out against injustice and protect their freedoms during the National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) 2026 on September 21. His call came as the government faces criticism over recent arrests of people accused of spreading false information.
Afenyo-Markin, who represents the Effutu Constituency in Parliament, said Ghana’s civic space was shrinking and that constitutional liberties were under pressure. “Freedom of speech and the right to expression, as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, are being curtailed,” he said. He warned that silence in the face of injustice could not build a free society.
“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,” Afenyo-Markin added. “But democracy depends on citizens who are prepared to speak with courage, reason and responsibility.”
He reminded the gathering of young leaders that the freedoms enjoyed today were won through sacrifice. “We must not become a generation that is willing to surrender it through silence.”
The forum, organised by VODEC Africa under the theme “Building Africa’s Future: Emerging Leaders Driving Inclusive Growth and Regional Transformation,” brought together young people to discuss their role in shaping Africa’s economic development.
Daniel Asomani, Founder and Chief Development Officer of VODEC Africa, encouraged the youth to use their skills and resources to address problems in their communities. “You do not need permission to solve problems that are hurting the people around you,” he said. “What you need today is courage, discipline, competence and integrity, and you need the willingness to begin where you are at this moment.”
Afenyo-Markin’s remarks come amid concerns over how the government handles dissent and controls information online. Several arrests in recent weeks involve individuals accused of posting misleading content about the administration, raising questions about the limits of freedom of expression in Ghana.
The Minority Leader’s warning about a shrinking civic space taps into wider debates about the balance between security and rights in Ghana’s democracy. While the government stresses the need to combat misinformation, critics argue that such measures risk suppressing legitimate criticism.
At NELEF 2026, the emphasis was on youth engagement in economic growth and regional change. But Afenyo-Markin’s speech made clear that political freedoms remain a pressing issue for emerging leaders.
The challenge for Ghana’s youth is to find the courage to speak out even when it is risky. As Afenyo-Markin said, “The freedom that we enjoy today was not handed to us without sacrifice.” How young Ghanaians respond will shape the country’s democracy in the years ahead.
According to Joy Online.
