A gov't confident in its mandate has no need to fear criticism — Osahen Afenyo-Markin

The Minority Leader in Parliament and MP for Effutu, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration over what he describes as the suppression of free speech.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has recently criticised the government over the arrest of some of its members following social media posts.

The party has also petitioned the diplomatic community, the United Nations and other relevant bodies to intervene in what it describes as undemocratic actions by the government.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, June 9, the Minority Leader argued that a government delivering on its mandate should not feel threatened by dissenting voices.

"Free speech in its truest and most necessary form is the freedom to criticize, to dissent, to challenge, and to demand accountability from those who govern. That is its purpose. That is why it is protected," he said.

Osahen Afenyo-Markin noted that while no one is above the law, the application of the law must not create the impression that citizens are being punished for expressing opposing views.

He cautioned that history has repeatedly shown that the erosion of free speech often begins gradually and can eventually undermine democratic institutions.

The Minority Leader further argued that governments that suppress criticism ultimately weaken the very institutions upon which their legitimacy depends.

"A democracy that is healthy enough to tolerate criticism is a democracy strong enough to endure, and a government confident enough in its own mandate has no need to fear the voices of those who disagree with it," he stated.

The Effutu lawmaker stressed that protecting free expression is not a partisan issue but a national responsibility that will shape the future of the country's democracy.