Afenyo-Markin urges youth to speak up against injustice

Minority Leader and MP for Effutu Constituency, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, urged Ghana's youth to speak out against injustice and protect their fundamental rights. Addressing the National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) 2026 on September 21, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of courage in defending democratic values and constitutional liberties.

He highlighted the growing pressure on Ghana's civic space and the diminishing of constitutional freedoms, particularly freedom of speech and the right to express oneself as outlined in the 1992 Constitution. Afenyo-Markin stressed that remaining silent in the face of injustice is incompatible with a free society. He reminded the young participants that speaking up often entails discomfort, unpopularity, and personal sacrifice, but democracy thrives on citizens who are willing to voice their concerns with courage and responsibility.

Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the freedoms enjoyed today were the result of sacrifices made by others and warned against becoming a generation that surrenders those rights through silence. Daniel Asomani, Founder and Chief Development Officer of VODEC Africa, also addressed the forum, encouraging young people to seize opportunities and use their skills and resources to foster community development.

Asomani challenged the youth to take initiative in addressing local problems, emphasizing that courage, discipline, competence, and integrity are essential, along with the readiness to act where one is today. The NELEF 2026, held under the theme "Building Africa's Future: Emerging Leaders Driving Inclusive Growth and Regional Transformation," aimed to empower young people to make significant contributions to national development and influence Africa's economic future.