Afenyo-Markin: Youth Must Take Charge (Warns Against Misusing Empowerment Support)
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader and MP for Effutu, has told young people in Ghana to take charge of making and managing their own opportunities after they graduate. He also warned that some people misuse programs that are meant to empower them. He spoke at the Beyond the Degree Conference 2026 and said that leaders need to “speak truth” about times when young people abuse help meant to change their lives. He also said that people are worried about limited opportunities. He talked about constituency projects since 2013, like giving away more than 10,000 industrial and sewing machines, scholarships, apprenticeships in trades, and work-and-pay vehicles and tricycles. He also said that some people who got the help sold the equipment or dropped out of training. He stressed that certificates alone do not guarantee success and encouraged young people to start their own businesses, improve their skills, and get involved in their communities. He also stressed that commitment, discipline, and making smart choices are important for young people to succeed when there aren’t many formal job opportunities.
