Political commentator and Senior Partner & Co-founder of Africa Legal Associates, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has praised Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for what he described as a courageous stand in defence of free speech and democratic rights in Ghana.
In a statement, Gabby Otchere-Darko said leadership requires courage and conviction, especially when fundamental human rights and democratic freedoms are under threat.
His comments follow recent public debate over the imprisonment of political activists in a case that has sparked concerns about freedom of expression and judicial fairness.
Critics of the court’s decision believe the punishment could create fear among citizens who openly express their opinions on political and national issues.
Reacting to the development, Otchere-Darko commended Afenyo-Markin for speaking out against what he described as troubling judicial enthusiasm in approving the imprisonment linked to free speech.
According to him, the matter should not be reduced to a political fight between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He stressed that the implications go beyond partisan politics and touch on the future of democratic freedoms in Ghana.
“Leadership requires courage. Timidity can never be a leadership option. Certainly not in a democracy,” he stated.
Otchere-Darko also warned against actions that may discourage citizens, especially young people, from freely expressing their views.
He noted that many young Ghanaians actively use social media to discuss national issues, and any attempt to silence dissent could negatively affect democratic participation.
He argued that today it may be a political activist facing punishment, but tomorrow it could be journalists, students, radio presenters, taxi drivers or ordinary citizens with opinions to share.
While acknowledging the need for the law to deal firmly with wrongdoing, he insisted that justice must never come at the expense of human rights, due process and freedom of expression.
He added that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done fairly and transparently.
