Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Member of Parliament for Effutu, has called for a shift towards merit-based opportunities in youth development in Ghana. Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on April 19, 2025, Afenyo-Markin expressed his concerns over the growing politicisation of youth empowerment programs and emphasised that opportunities should be based on talent, creativity, and drive, not party loyalty.
Afenyo-Markin's comments come at a time when there is increasing debate over how to best support the country’s youth. He pointed out that many young people are only given opportunities when they align with the political party in power, which he believes undermines the potential for innovation and progress. “We must take a hard look at how we extend opportunity, particularly to the youth. They must not be supported only when they wear party colours; they must be supported when they demonstrate potential, creativity, and drive,” he said.
The MP underscored that Ghana's future depends on fair opportunities for all its citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. He warned that focusing on partisan loyalty risks stifling national growth, innovation, and competitiveness. “Ghana’s future cannot be built on partisan loyalty; it must be built on merit. Those who deserve opportunity must be given the opportunity regardless of political affiliation. That is how we build a nation, that is how we create competition, and that is how we create progress in a nation,” he declared.
Afenyo-Markin's call for merit-based youth development resonates with many Ghanaians who have long been concerned about the negative effects of political favouritism on the country's growth. He advocates for a more inclusive approach where young people are empowered based on their skills, abilities, and aspirations, rather than their political connections.
The Kwahu Business Forum, which serves as a platform for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss economic development strategies, provided an important setting for Afenyo-Markin’s remarks. The forum continues to be a crucial space for stakeholders across Ghana and the African continent to explore ways of fostering economic growth and supporting the private sector.
Afenyo-Markin’s message aligns with the growing call for greater accountability and fairness in the distribution of opportunities. Many Ghanaian youth are eager to contribute to the country’s development, but they often find themselves hindered by political allegiances rather than their skills and talents. His comments at the Kwahu Business Forum shed light on the need for a paradigm shift in how the nation approaches youth empowerment.
In the wake of his speech, the hope is that Ghana will begin to move away from a culture of partisanship and embrace a meritocratic system that recognizes the true potential of its youth. Afenyo-Markin’s advocacy for this change highlights the urgency of addressing the systemic challenges that prevent young people from reaching their full potential in Ghana’s rapidly evolving economy.
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