Africa-Press – Ghana. Markin, the Minority Leader, has called on the country’s youthful population to rise to the occasion and drive national development.
He emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges facing the nation.
Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of Young Common Forum (YCF) at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra, Mr. Afenyo-Markin highlighted the significance of mentorship, collaboration, and selflessness in achieving success, encouraging young leaders to support one another and work towards collective success.
The day’s UPSA Summit was on the theme: “Empowering the Young Generation for Leadership and Development.”
The event aimed to inspire young people to recognize their potential, make a positive impact, challenge the status quo, innovate, and self-believe.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin said: “The time has come for us to take ownership of our destiny and shape the future we want.”
He added: “We must demand accountability from our leaders and be accountable ourselves. We must work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.”
The Minority Leader, also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, also emphasised the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and education in driving national development, citing examples of successful initiatives such as the Free Senior High School (SHS) education policy and the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.
He said: “Ghana’s future is indeed in the hands of its young population, with over 57 per cent of Ghanaians under the age of 25.
“This demographic presents both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, young people’s energy, innovation, and determination can drive national transformation. On the other hand, Ghana needs to address pressing issues like unemployment, education, and mentorship to harness this potential.”
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also highlighted the need for responsible leadership and citizen engagement in shaping the country’s future, citing late President Nelson Mandela’s words, that, “Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great.
“You can be that great generation.”
The Minority Leader added: “Let your greatness blossom. Indeed, it falls upon your generation to be great. We do not choose the times we are born into, but we do choose how to respond. And this is your time to respond with greatness.”
The Effutu Legislator emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges facing Ghana, particularly the issue of illegal mining (galamsey) and its devastating impact on the environment and communities.
“Let us fight this together; otherwise, there will be no Ghana for us. Let us resolve that we will rise to the occasion. Let us lift and touch high and carry it forward together. In doing so, we honor those who came before us and fulfill our duty to those who will come after us,” he urged.
Mr. Nyantakyi Osborn, the President of YCF, expressed gratitude to the Minority Leader his encouragement to the forum
Mr. Osborn emphasised that the occasion was not just about titles or positions, but about shared commitments to listen, collaborate, and work tirelessly to shape a future that reflected their highest goals.
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