MP Afenyo-Markin: Ghana’s Young Population is its Greatest Asset

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has challenged Ghanaian students and young people to view the country's youthful population not as a burden but as a major economic opportunity that requires purpose, innovation, and leadership.

At the Empower Vault Summit at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, Mr Afenyo-Markin drew attention to the country's youth unemployment challenge and urged young people to focus on creating value rather than waiting solely for formal employment.

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A Population of Opportunity

More than seven in every 10 Ghanaians are below the age of 35, while young people account for a significant proportion of the country's unemployed population. According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, young people should not view this as a problem, but rather as an opportunity that requires proper harnessing.

The Challenge of Unemployment

Mr Afenyo-Markin noted that more than 300,000 students graduate from universities across Ghana every year, with only a small proportion securing employment within their first year after graduation. "An estimated over 300,000 students graduate from universities across Ghana every year. Only about 10%, if not less, are able to secure jobs within the first year after national census," he said.

Finding Purpose

The Minority Leader argued that the starting point for addressing these challenges is purpose. "Because the answer to everything I have just described begins with a single word, purpose," he said. He encouraged students to reflect on why they want to achieve their chosen goals and how their time, talents, and energy could be used to make meaningful contributions to society.

Leadership and Influence

Mr Afenyo-Markin said having purpose alone would not be sufficient to address the challenges confronting Ghana's youth. He argued that young people must also develop the capacity to lead and influence others positively. "And when purpose is clear, the challenges ahead do not disappear, but they become easier to face," he said.

Empowering the Youth

The summit, which was organised by Horses and Stables in partnership with the Office of the University of Ghana SRC Vice President, seeks to equip young people with practical skills, values, and mindsets for leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Mr Afenyo-Markin's message is clear: Ghana's youthful population is not a burden, but an opportunity that requires purpose, innovation, and leadership.

Source: JOY