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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
Ashanti Region have been crowned champions of the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship after edging defending champions Eastern Region 4-3 in a pulsating final at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, Prampram.
The final provided a fitting climax to 11 days of exciting football, delivering a seven-goal thriller at the GFA Technical Centre on Friday.
In a contest full of attacking intent and drama, Eastern Region fought back three times but Ashanti held their nerve to dethrone the holders and send the trophy to Kumasi.
Ashanti made a blistering start and took the lead in the 7th minute through Mohammed Dayvon. Eastern responded quickly, with Umar Archraf levelling matters in the 12th minute.
Issah Seidu restored Ashanti’s advantage six minutes later, but Tetteh Narh again drew Eastern level at 2-2 before the break in what was a fiercely contested first half.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Elvis Kwarteng put Ashanti ahead for the third time in the 78th minute with a performance that would later earn him the Final’s Most Valuable Player award.
Eastern refused to give up and equalised again three minutes later to make it 3-3, setting up a tense finish.
But their joy was short-lived. Substitute Emmanuel Boateng struck the winner in the 82nd minute to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory for Ashanti.
Eastern piled on pressure in the closing stages, but Raphael Amankwah’s side stayed resolute to see out the win.
The triumph capped an impressive campaign for Ashanti, who showed consistency and resilience throughout the tournament.
Individual Honours
Elvis Kwarteng was named Most Valuable Player of the final, while Central Region’s Desmond Korlettey was adjudged Overall Most Valuable Player after winning four MVP awards during the tournament.
Central Region also picked up the Fair Play award, while Ashanti’s Raphael Amankwah was named Best Coach.
Kelvin Osei Owusu of Ashanti won Best Goalkeeper, with Greater Accra’s Dennis Adjei finishing as Top Scorer with six goals.
The closing ceremony was led by Chairman of the Championship Committee, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, and MTN representative Andy Cofie, joined by Executive Council members Samuel Aboabire and Eugene Noel Nobel, Juvenile Committee Vice-Chairman Samuel Anim Addo and Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu.
Reserved exclusively for Second Division players, the championship once again proved a vital platform for discovering and showcasing Ghana’s next generation of talent.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
It was an irresistible atmosphere of worship at the Cedar Mountain Chapel, Assemblies of God, Shiashie, last Sunday, as hundreds gathered for the return of August Worship.
Multiple award-winning gospel minister, Eric Jeshrun, made a powerful comeback with his highly anticipated annual worship experience after a four-year break.
The event, which was put on hold due to his extensive ministry work abroad, is known for drawing thousands into an atmosphere of praise and prayer.
Hosted by Eric Jeshrun himself, the night saw him lead worshippers to the throne of God, touching many lives with his healing and prophetic gift.
This year’s edition, held on Sunday, August 30, 2025, lived up to its promise of a more powerful and spirit-filled encounter.
The gathering was further charged with powerful ministrations from gospel heavyweights Pastor Isaiah Fosu-Kwakye, Petra Odubayo, Noble G and Team Eternity.
The surprise of the night was minister Joe Mettle, who mesmerized the gathering with a powerful performance.
In a significant addition to this year’s programme, a dedicated session was devoted to praying for Ghana. Believers interceded passionately for the nation.
The main worship night was preceded by the Much Fruit Conference, which ran from August 23 to August 29 at the Faith Gatherings Worldwide Church. The week-long conference was designed to prepare hearts for August Worship.
It hosted an international lineup of guest ministers including Pastor Dolapo Lawal (USA), Michael Oldfield (USA), Godswill Oyor (Nigeria), and Stephen Obeng Amoako (Ghana), and featured teachings, prayer, and impartation sessions aimed at equipping believers for impact.
With worship, prayer, and the word lined up over the week, August Worship and the Much Fruit Conference proved to be one of the biggest gospel gatherings on the Christian calendar this August.
Patrons expressed satisfaction and appreciation to the organisers for the successful return of August Worship.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
