The Minority Leader, Hon. Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has mounted a strong defense of free speech in Ghana’s Parliament, warning against any attempt to suppress political dissent. Speaking on the floor of the House, he argued that history has shown the dangers of silencing opposing voices.
“Governments that stifle dissent do not strengthen themselves but rather hollow out the very institutions upon which their own legitimacy depends,” he cautioned, stressing that civil liberties remain the bedrock of Ghana’s democratic order.
The Minority Leader underscored that free speech is not merely the right to speak, but the freedom to criticise, to dissent, to challenge, and to demand accountability from those in power. “That is its purpose. That is why it is protected,” he declared, urging lawmakers to safeguard this principle even in the face of political pressures.
His intervention comes amid growing debate on the balance between liberty and responsibility in the digital age. Earlier, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, had emphasized that freedoms must be exercised responsibly to prevent abuse and protect national cohesion.
Observers note that the Minority Leader’s remarks signal Parliament’s determination to uphold democratic values while navigating challenges posed by misinformation, political polarization, and technological disruption. The statement, issued through the Media Relations Department, is expected to shape further legislative discussions on civil rights and governance.
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