Afenyo-Markin Urges Youth to Go Beyond the Degree

The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Efutu, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on the youth to move beyond their academic credentials and take responsibility for shaping Ghana’s future.

Speaking at the Beyond the Degree Conference 2026, Afenyo-Markin emphasized that education must extend beyond the classroom and certificate, focusing on developing competent leaders who can navigate the demands of a rapidly changing world.

He highlighted the challenges facing Ghana’s youth, including high unemployment rates, limited job opportunities, and broken promises from government initiatives. Despite these challenges, Afenyo-Markin urged the youth to take initiative, citing examples of young Ghanaians who have made significant contributions to the country’s development.

“Leadership is not only about age, position, or credentials,” Afenyo-Markin said. “It is about competence, courage, and responsibility. The first story of the young graduate illustrated that knowledge alone is not enough to lead effectively. The second story of the University students reminded us that preparing to lead responsibly is a conscious choice.”

Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of youth leadership in shaping Ghana’s future, citing the country’s youthful population and the need for energy, ideas, and engagement in leadership, governance, and national development.

He identified three key characteristics of youth leadership: competence and vision, integrity and responsibility, and resilience and collaboration. “Young leaders must be skilled, knowledgeable, and forward-looking,” he said. “They need the ability to analyze challenges, make informed decisions, and propose innovative solutions.”

Afenyo-Markin also stressed the importance of governance and civic engagement, urging the youth to participate in decision-making processes and hold leaders accountable. He highlighted the Right to Information Act and the power of petitions as tools for young people to influence policy and improve governance.

The Minority Leader concluded by urging the youth to internalize the lessons of the two stories he shared, and to move beyond their degrees. “Step forward with competence, act with responsibility, and lead with vision,” he said. “And in doing so, you will not only transform your own life but also strengthen governance, foster civic engagement, and contribute meaningfully to a changing Ghana.”

Afenyo-Markin’s message was clear: the future of Ghana is in the hands of the youth, and it is time for them to take responsibility for shaping their own destiny.