Afenyo-Markin urges youth to defend democratic freedoms

Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged young Ghanaians to actively defend their constitutional rights and speak out against acts of injustice.

He made the call at the 2026 National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF), held on September 21, where he encouraged the youth to play a more active role in protecting Ghana’s democratic principles.

Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed concern about what he described as growing pressure on the country’s civic space, particularly amid recent arrests involving individuals accused of publishing misleading information about the government.

He cautioned young people against remaining silent when fundamental freedoms were at risk, stressing that citizens had a responsibility to protect the democratic gains of the country.

“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.

According to him, defending democracy would sometimes require citizens to ask difficult questions and take positions that might 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 encouraged the youth to demonstrate courage and responsibility in exercising their freedoms, noting that the democratic rights enjoyed by Ghanaians were achieved 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 edition of NELEF was held under the theme, “Building Africa’s Future: Emerging Leaders Driving Inclusive Growth and Regional Transformation.”

The forum brought together emerging leaders to discuss ways of strengthening youth participation in development and equipping the next generation to contribute to Africa’s economic transformation.