Minority Leader of Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has charged Ghana’s youth to keep the nation’s torch of progress burning brightly by embracing courage, integrity, and service in their daily lives.
Speaking at the Young Commons Forum (YCF) Summit held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the Minority Leader underscored that Ghana’s destiny does not depend solely on presidents, parliaments, or policies, but on the resolve of young people to rise to the occasion.
“If Ghana is to rise, it will not be because of one President, Parliament, or one policy. It will be because young people choose to rise to the occasion. It will be because you decide to serve a cause greater than yourselves. The youth hold the key to shaping the nation’s future,” he stressed.
He urged students to light the path with principles of accountability, unity, and compassion, rather than being consumed by corruption, division, and cynicism. According to him, the torch of Ghana’s future will only burn brightly if young leaders build character, pursue service, and insist that leadership is defined not by titles but by results.
Pillars
The Minority Leader outlined three pillars of empowerment for the youth: innovation, accountability, and community building. He noted that Ghana cannot compete in the 21st century by continuing to export raw cocoa and gold, urging students to embrace technology, digital creativity, and entrepreneurship. “The future lies in coding, manufacturing, and adding value to our resources. Innovation ultimately comes from the bold ideas of you, the youth,” he stressed.
On accountability, Afenyo-Markin reminded the students that real change demands courage, quoting Thomas Sankara: “You cannot carry out fundamental changes without a certain amount of madness.” He encouraged them to use social media responsibly, follow up on government promises, and insist on transparency in public life.
Community
The third pillar, he said, is rooted in community and mutual support. “A prestigious degree or well-paying job is commendable, but a legacy of positive impact is far greater. Accept national service postings into rural communities wholeheartedly. See it as your opportunity to touch lives, share knowledge, and support those at the lowest level,” he told the students.
Drawing from his personal journey into politics, Osahen Afenyo-Markin revealed how his selfless community service and youth-centered NGO work won him credibility long before he entered Parliament. “People don’t forget the good things we do,” he reflected, encouraging students to begin giving back early in their careers.
The Minority Leader also highlighted the track record of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in youth-centered interventions such as Free SHS, One District One Factory (1D1F), Planting for Food and Jobs, and investments in digital infrastructure. He contrasted these with current challenges in job creation and called for continuity in good policies across governments.
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