Minority Leader launches YCF Summit, charges students with courage and responsibility
The Minority Leader of Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has urged Ghanaian youth to rise above fear, complacency, and cynicism by embracing courage, accountability, and innovation in nation-building. He made the call on Wednesday when he officially launched and addressed the Young Commons Forum (YCF) Summit at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Delivering his keynote address under the theme: “Empowering Next Generation For Leadership and National-Building”, Osahen Afenyo-Markin said Ghana’s future rests not in the hands of politicians alone but in the energy and resolve of its youth. “Standing here today in one of Ghana’s rising citadels of excellence, I am filled with hope. Hope, because in your eyes, I see Ghana’s future, bright, bold, and determined. Today is not simply about making another speech. Today is about planting seeds of courage and responsibility in each and everyone of you,” he declared.
As part of the programme, Osahen Afenyo-Markin officially presided over the swearing-in of its inaugural executives. The summit also featured the screening of a short documentary on Osahen Afenyo-Markin, which chronicled his political journey and public service. The newly inaugurated executives of the Young Commons Forum also outlined their vision, pledging to use the platform to promote civic education, policy discussions, and mentorship opportunities for students across the country.
Drivers of change
Citing demographic data, he stressed that Ghana’s youth must see themselves as the nation’s present drivers of change. “When Ghana gained independence in 1957, our average age as a nation was just 19. Today, more than fifty-seven percent of our population is under 25 years old… The future of Ghana does not rest in the hands of a few politicians in Parliament, it rests in your hands,” he noted.
The Minority Leader pointed out the economic challenges facing the country, including persistent youth unemployment and rising public debt, but insisted that these obstacles must be treated as opportunities. “Every challenge is also an opportunity, if only we dare to seize it,” he said, adding that nations like Rwanda and Singapore had transformed themselves by leveraging the creativity and courage of young people.
Leadership mindset
He charged students to adopt a new mindset of leadership defined by integrity and service. “Leadership is not about position. It is about action. It is about choosing honesty when lies are easier. It is about daring to dream when others settle for less,” he emphasized.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin outlined three pillars he believes are critical to youth empowerment: innovation, accountability, and community building. He urged students to pursue technology and entrepreneurship rather than relying on raw resource exports, to hold leaders accountable through active civic engagement, and to measure their success not just by degrees and salaries but by the impact they make in their communities. “A degree is important, but character is better. Success is not measured only by what you earn, but by what you give back,” he said.
The Minority Leader capped his speech with a resounding charge to the youth. “Dream big, because Ghana is too rich for small dreams. Stand tall, because your generation has no excuse to crawl. And act now, because tomorrow will be too late,” he declared, invoking Nelson Mandela’s words: “Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”
