Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu, has called on Ghana’s youth to rise as leaders and nation-builders. He made the call during the launch of the Young Commons Forum (YCF) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Speaking under the theme “Empowering the Next Generation for Leadership and Nation-Building,” the Minority Leader emphasized the critical role young Ghanaians must play in shaping the country’s future.
He expressed optimism about the nation’s prospects, stating, “Hope, because in your eyes I see Ghana’s future: bright, bold, and determined. Today is about planting seeds of courage and responsibility in each and every one of you.”
He described the YCF as a platform that “transcends partisanship yet remains passionate about Ghana’s progress,” and urged participants to take up the mantle of leadership in shaping the nation’s destiny.
Youth significance
Highlighting the historical significance of youth in national transformation, he noted that over 57 percent of Ghanaians today are under the age of 25. He recalled the words of John F. Kennedy, indicating, “The torch has been passed. The real question for all of you here is: will you hold it high, or will you let it dim?”
Drawing lessons from global and local history, he cited Rwanda’s post-genocide economic transformation, Singapore’s rapid development, and Ghana’s own pioneering nationalists, including Casely Hayford, Quaison-Sackey, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Dr. J.B. Danquah, as examples of how youth energy and vision can redefine a nation’s path.
Essence of leadership
On the essence of leadership, he stressed that it is “about action and impact,” stressing that young people do not need to hold formal positions to lead.
“True leadership is choosing honesty when lies are easier, choosing hard work when shortcuts are available, and daring to dream when others settle for mediocrity,” he said, quoting Mahatma Gandhi to underline that leadership is fundamentally “an act of service.”
He further stressed the importance of character and integrity, arguing that “no amount of laws or policies can uplift Ghana unless we first have leaders of character at every level of society – and that starts with each of you, in your lecture halls.”
3 key areas
He outlined three key areas for youth empowerment: embracing innovation and entrepreneurship, demanding accountability and good governance, and fostering strong community engagement. He urged young Ghanaians to “be curious, to learn coding, to start businesses, to explore the arts and sciences” while also holding leaders accountable and contributing to community development. He emphasized that these efforts, rooted in service and solidarity, are essential to sustaining nation-building efforts.
He also cited the achievements of the past NPP government, pointing to initiatives like Free Senior High School, One District, One Factory, YouStart, road infrastructure projects, and rural electrification as tangible evidence of youth-centered policies. “These efforts laid the groundwork for a modern economy where your ideas can flourish,” he said.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin further challenged the youth to confront pressing national issues, particularly illegal mining. “This destructive practice is stealing your future. It is robbing farmers of fertile soil, poisoning the water our children drink and destroying the environment you must inherit,” he cautioned.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said, “Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”
