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Go beyond degrees to lead Ghana …Afenyo-Markin charges youth
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MR Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader in Parliament, has urged Ghana’s youth to look beyond their academic laurels and take responsibility to lead the country.
He said, “Beyond the degree lies leadership. Beyond the degree lies innovation. Beyond the degree lies responsibility.”
Mr Afenyo-Markin made the remarks last Saturday when he delivered the keynote address at the “Beyond the Degree Conference 2026” in Winneba.
He lamented the high rate of youth unemployment in Ghana, citing a report by the Ghana Statistical Service which indicated that youth unemployment remained disproportionately high compared to other age groups.
“The government, through the Minister of Health, told us last year that it cannot employ all 74,000 trained nurses by the end of 2026. Similarly, thousands of teacher trainees remain at home, waiting for opportunities that have not materialised,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin, who is also the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Effutu Constituency, emphasised that education must be understood as more than classroom learning or the certificate received at the end of studies, but as a foundation for responsible citizenship and leadership.
“The true purpose of education is far greater. Education shapes the mind to think critically, the heart to act ethically, and the hands to work diligently,” he said.
He urged the youth to develop competence, integrity, and resilience, and to take initiative in shaping the country’s future.
“Ghana needs a generation of young leaders who are committed to shaping institutions, influencing policy and holding systems accountable,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, technical skills, and digital innovation in creating opportunities for the youth.
“The future of Ghana cannot be built by job seekers alone. It must also be built by job creators,” he emphasised.
—GNA
Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has questioned why Ghana continues to import toothpicks despite having the resources to produce them locally.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Iddrisu, who previously served as Minister for Trade and Industry, said he feels ashamed that the country still depends on imports for such a basic product.
“I have been Minister for Trade and Industry before and I carry the shame. How come that in Ghana we cannot produce toothpicks and we have to import them?” he asked.
According to him, Ghana has enough resources to support local businesses to manufacture products such as toothpicks instead of relying on imports. He said the country should encourage private sector investment in manufacturing to create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign goods.
Mr. Iddrisu alleged that some people who received government support under private sector initiatives failed to use the funds for their intended purpose.
“If you want, Honorable Kojo, because you… I can’t go there. There are people who took money in the name of the private sector and said they were going to farm. That money never went to their farms. You know that,” he told Parliament.
On job creation, the Education Minister said he agreed with the views expressed by a colleague on the need to create more employment opportunities. However, he argued that the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme did not provide the solution to Ghana’s employment challenges.
Mr. Iddrisu made the remarks during parliamentary proceedings while contributing to discussions on job creation and the country’s industrial development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications officer, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has dismissed reports linking him to an alleged GH¢55 million case, insisting that no such issue was raised during his detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
In a Facebook post after his release from EOCO custody, Mr Aboagye stated that at no point during his detention was he questioned about any GH¢55 million.
“For the records: There was no discussion of any GH¢55 million with me by EOCO. None,” he wrote.
According to him, he was detained for four days, a day after announcing his intention to contest for the position of National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party.
Mr Aboagye alleged that false narratives were circulated about his arrest but expressed confidence that the truth would eventually prevail.
He thanked NPP supporters who demonstrated and called for his release, saying news of the protests reached him while he was in detention and encouraged him.
Mr Aboagye indicated that the support shown by party faithful strengthened his resolve and reaffirmed his commitment to serve the NPP.
He maintained that his detention had not discouraged him from pursuing his political ambition.
“If the intention was to break me, it has failed. If the intention was to scare me, it has failed spectacularly,” he stated.
Mr Aboagye expressed appreciation to his legal team, the leadership of the NPP and all supporters who stood by him throughout his detention.
He reiterated his determination to lead the party’s Communications Directorate, declaring that he remained “ready to win” and committed to what he described as the party’s mission to “command the narrative.”
By: Jacob Aggrey
