The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged young people in Ghana to be courageous in defending democratic values and constitutional liberties. Speaking at the National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) 2026 on September 21, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of speaking up against injustice. His comments come amid recent arrests of individuals accused of posting misleading information about the government.
Afenyo-Markin noted that Ghana's civic space is rapidly shrinking and constitutional liberties are facing systemic and statutory pressure. He stated that freedom of speech and the right to expression, as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, are being curtailed. The Minority Leader urged citizens, particularly the youth, not to remain silent in the face of injustice. He emphasized that silence in the face of injustice can never be a foundation of a free society.
The National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) 2026 was held under the theme, "Building Africa's Future: Emerging Leaders Driving Inclusive Growth and Regional Transformation." The forum focused on empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to national development and play a greater role in shaping Africa's economic future. The event was organized by VODEC Africa, with its Founder and Chief Development Officer, Daniel Asomani, also addressing the participants.
Daniel Asomani urged young people to take advantage of available opportunities and use their skills and resources to drive development. He challenged the youth to take the initiative in addressing problems in their communities. Asomani emphasized that young people do not need permission to solve problems that are hurting the people around them, but rather courage, discipline, competence, and integrity.
Afenyo-Markin's call to action comes at a time when Ghana is experiencing increasing pressure on its civic space. Recent arrests of individuals accused of posting misleading information about the government have raised concerns about the erosion of fundamental freedoms. The Minority Leader's comments are seen as a timely reminder of the importance of defending democratic values and constitutional liberties.
The National Peace Council has also urged investment in youth to sustain Ghana's peace. This call is in line with Afenyo-Markin's message, emphasizing the need for young people to be actively engaged in promoting peace and development. The government has also been working to create pathways for Ghanaian youth to compete across African markets, as part of efforts to empower them to contribute to national development.
Key to Afenyo-Markin's message is the idea that young people must be prepared to speak with courage, reason, and responsibility to defend their freedoms. He noted that the freedom enjoyed today was not handed over without sacrifice, and Ghanaians must not become a generation willing to surrender it through silence.
Key points
- Afenyo-Markin urges youth to speak up against injustice and defend fundamental freedoms.
- Ghana's civic space is rapidly shrinking, and constitutional liberties are facing systemic and statutory pressure.
- The National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) 2026 aimed to empower young people to contribute to national development and shape Africa's economic future.
