The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has urged Ghanaian youth, particularly young women and girls, to remain resilient and focused in the face of life’s difficulties.
Speaking at the official launch of the GrowLead Foundation at Wesley Towers in Accra on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Effutu legislator stressed that perseverance, faith, and determination are the true foundations of success.
He underscored the importance of mentorship and empowerment programmes such as those being championed by GrowLead Foundation.
Early struggles
Recounting his early struggles, Osahen Afenyo-Markin narrated how financial challenges nearly disrupted his education at St. Augustine’s College, and how he was able to continue only after winning a scholarship competition for the best student in literature, government, and history.
“In my final year, there was no hope at all. Then we heard that Babwe Syndom had introduced a scholarship for the best student. It was through winning that competition that I was able to pay my fees and complete school. That moment changed everything,” he recalled.
He shared how his stepfather, who had supported him earlier, lost his job and was demoted after the 1996 elections, leaving the family in dire financial straits. “When he was transferred and made a watchman, I knew I had to survive on my own. After completing school, I came to Accra and had to struggle just to find a place to sleep. But I kept pushing,” he said.
Osahen Afenyo-Markin described his journey through various odd jobs, including working with Ghana Post, before pursuing professional courses and later earning degrees from the University of Buckingham and the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. He eventually returned to Ghana to establish his own courier company, where he faced further challenges such as mounting debts and business losses.
“There were times when the bank was foreclosing on me, times when my children were sent home from school because I couldn’t pay their fees. But through it all, I never gave up. God always showed a way,” he recounted.
The Minority Leader emphasized that success does not come easily, urging young people to back their dreams with hard work, discipline, and faith. He encouraged participants, especially the young women at the event, not to be discouraged by their circumstances or to fall into harmful habits as a means of coping.
“To my young ladies, I know it can be very challenging, especially when there’s nothing at home. I’ve seen it before. Don’t start an addiction or a habit that will destroy your future. Stay focused — your story can change just like mine did,” he said.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin praised the founders of the GrowLead Foundation for establishing an initiative that seeks to nurture leadership and create opportunities for women, girls, and marginalized communities across Ghana. He noted that such mentorship programmes are essential to building resilient and responsible leaders who can shape the nation’s future.
“This initiative by the founders to mentor young people will not be a rosy journey. Your efforts must back it — and above all, prayer. Each one of us has a story to share, and if we persevere, our challenges can become our greatest testimonies,” he further stated.
About the GrowLead Foundation
The GrowLead Foundation, launched as a not-for-profit organization, is committed to empowering women, girls, and marginalized communities, particularly in the northern regions, Zongo communities, and settler enclaves. The Foundation’s initiatives focus on promoting leadership, civic participation, and social inclusion as key drivers of sustainable development and gender equality.
Through its programmes, GrowLead nurtures leadership potential, amplifies voices, and creates meaningful opportunities for women and girls to engage in civic life and decision-making processes. The Foundation believes that strong and resilient communities are built when women and girls are equipped with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to influence change and shape their futures.
Its vision is to create a future where women, girls, and marginalized groups are fully aware of their social and political rights and are empowered to actively participate in community and national development.
The Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities and platforms that enable women and girls to build their capacities, strengthen their leadership abilities, and contribute effectively to decisions that affect their lives and communities.
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