Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on Parliament and the Ghanaian public to remain
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on Parliament and the Ghanaian public to remain vigilant in protecting freedom of expression, civil liberties, and the rule of law amid growing concerns over the arrest of some opposition figures and political activists.
Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament, the Minority Leader said recent developments involving the arrest and detention of individuals associated with the opposition have generated widespread public debate and renewed questions about the state of democratic freedoms in the country.
According to him, the democratic success has been built on the constitutional rights of citizens to freely express their views, criticize government policies, and demand accountability from public officials without fear of intimidation or persecution.
He cautioned that any actions perceived to undermine these freedoms could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions and threaten the gains made under the Fourth Republic.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that democracy flourishes when citizens are able to openly participate in national discourse, challenge authority, and contribute to governance through constructive criticism.
He argued that freedom of speech remains one of the cornerstones of democratic governance and must be protected irrespective of political affiliation.
His remarks come against the backdrop of heightened political tensions following a series of arrests involving opposition activists, communicators, and party officials.
In recent months, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has repeatedly accused the government of using state institutions to target critics and suppress dissenting voices.
The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), however, has consistently maintained that all arrests and prosecutions have been carried out within the framework of the law and are unrelated to partisan politics.
The issue gained national attention following the arrest and detention of several opposition figures, including Bono Regional NPP Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, who was charged with publication of false news and offensive conduct following comments he allegedly made about a judge.
The case triggered strong reactions from the NPP, which described the arrest as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition voices.
Other cases involving political communicators, social media commentators, and activists have also fueled debate over the balance between law enforcement and constitutional freedoms.
The opposition has argued that some of these arrests create a chilling effect on public discourse, while government officials insist that no individual is above the law.
Against this backdrop, Afenyo-Markin urged Parliament to rise above partisan considerations and collectively defend the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution.
He emphasized that the protection of civil liberties is not a matter for one political party alone but a national responsibility that requires the commitment of all stakeholders.
The Minority Leader further reminded lawmakers that Parliament occupies a unique position as the guardian of democratic accountability and constitutional governance.
He noted that legislators have a duty to ensure that fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly, are protected at all times.
He called on Members of Parliament from both sides of the House to work together to preserve Ghana’s democratic credentials and strengthen public trust in the country’s institutions.
According to him, the reputation as one of Africa’s leading democracies has been earned through decades of constitutional rule, peaceful transfers of power, and respect for individual freedoms.
Afenyo-Markin warned that maintaining that reputation requires continuous vigilance and commitment to the principles that underpin democratic governance.
He urged political leaders, state institutions, civil society organizations, and citizens to remain steadfast in defending the rule of law while ensuring that legitimate political expression is not unnecessarily curtailed.
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