The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on Ghana’s youth to embrace self-empowerment, hard work and entrepreneurial zeal as critical tools for national development. He told the young men and women that one’s background should not limit ambition or innovation.
He made the call while delivering his keynote address at the Young Commons Forum (YCF), held over the weekend at the School of Graduate Studies Conference Hall, University of Cape Coast (UCC). The YCF UCC Summit was held under the theme “The Dankwa–Busia–Dombo Centre-Right Ideology and Its Impact on Ghana’s Socio-economic Development: A Focus on the Kufuor and Akufo-Addo Governments.”
Osahen Afenyo-Markin, who is also the lawmaker for Effutu constituency, encouraged young Ghanaians to actively participate in civic life and policymaking, describing such involvement as essential for shaping the country’s trajectory. He noted that the Forum offered young leaders a unique platform to voice their ideas, influence policy decisions, and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
“Vision alone is insufficient; it must be translated into action. Young people must embrace our core values rooted in tradition while pursuing practical initiatives that produce tangible results,” he said. He further urged the youth to combine dedication with creativity to overcome societal challenges.
Misplaced 24-hour economy
While commending the potential of youth-led innovation, the Minority Leader expressed concerns over what he perceived as the government’s misplaced focus. He criticised the NDC administration for promoting its “24-Hour Economy” agenda, arguing that it distracts from pressing national issues such as the rising cost of living and limited job opportunities.
“The government talks about elections but hasn’t addressed the rising cost of living. They came to power promising change but have introduced laws that charge GH₵1 per data, and today, the people are suffering,” he said.
He urged the government to prioritise its core mandate: improving living conditions, spurring economic development, and creating sustainable job opportunities, rather than relying on slogans that offer little immediate relief to citizens.
He added that by linking civic engagement with economic empowerment, young people could become catalysts for change, shaping policy outcomes and holding public institutions accountable.
Absorbing traditional values
The Minority Leader also underscored the importance of blending traditional values with modern ambition. He advised the youth to remain grounded while striving for innovation and leadership. He cautioned that without active participation in governance and development initiatives, the country risked underutilising the potential of its young population, which constitutes a significant proportion of the nation’s demographic.
He called for a renewed focus on practical governance and policy execution, adding that the success of any national agenda rests on improving the welfare of citizens. He reminded the youth that they had both the responsibility and the opportunity to influence the nation’s development path, positioning themselves as informed, engaged and proactive stakeholders in Ghana’s future.
Accountable leadership
Delivering his inaugural address at the YCF UCC Summit, the president of the Forum, John Noble, declared that the launch of the University of Cape Coast chapter marked the beginning of a new youth-driven movement aimed at shaping ethical and informed leadership in Ghana.
He said the Forum was founded on a “simple but powerful belief” that young people must not only discuss leadership but understand, shape, and practice it. “Today is not just the launch of a Forum. Today is the beginning of a movement,” Mr. Noble declared.
According to him, the Young Commons Forum seeks to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world governance. While students study political science, law, economics, education and business in lecture halls, he stressed the need to understand how decisions are made, how policies are shaped, and how leadership functions in practice.
He urged the youth to reject corruption, resist division, and demand accountability, noting that democracy thrives not on silence but on active and informed participation. “Democracy does not survive on silence. It survives when young people ask questions, seek truth, and stand for integrity,” he stated.
Mr. Noble outlined practical steps for promoting accountability, including staying informed before speaking, backing opinions with data, asking constructive questions, supporting investigative journalism, engaging leaders calmly and responsibly, and using social media wisely. He emphasized that young people must lead by example.
“We cannot demand accountability from leaders while we misuse student funds and avoid responsibility,” he cautioned, urging peaceful engagement and the promotion of national unity.
Digital platforms
Touching on the power of digital platforms, the YCF president described 21stcentury youth as uniquely positioned due to access to social media and digital tools. However, he warned against reducing these platforms to spaces for insults and misinformation.
“Social media should not just be a space for trends and insults, but a tool for civic responsibility,” he said, encouraging students to share verified information, simplify policies for public understanding, ask respectful questions, and promote transparency. “In everything you do, remember the media never forgets,” he added.
He underscored that leadership is defined not by position but by character, service, and accountability. Referencing the consistent call by Mr. Afenyo-Markin for youth preparation, he stressed that leadership readiness begins now, through discipline, integrity, and responsible civic engagement.
He further expressed gratitude to the Minority Leader for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to youth development. He commended the presence of student leaders from the SRC, student parliament, hall executives, and various associations. He also acknowledged the crucial role of lecturers and mentors in guiding young leaders beyond motivation toward meaningful growth.
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