By: Rachel Quartey
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged students to move beyond academic success and prepare themselves for leadership and responsibility in society.
Speaking at the “Beyond the Degree Conference” organised by the Students’ Representative Council of the University of Education, Winneba, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed that education should not be limited to certificates and classroom learning.
“This event invites us to reflect on an essential truth: the purpose of education must extend beyond the classroom and beyond the certificate one receives at the end of his or her studies,” he said.
According to him, many graduates enter the workforce with strong academic credentials but struggle with the practical demands of leadership.
Quoting leadership expert John C. Maxwell, the Effutu MP said, “A leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
He emphasised that knowledge alone does not produce effective leaders.
“What the world truly needs are men and women who combine knowledge with judgment, competence with character and intelligence with the ability to inspire others,” he stated.
Youth Must Prepare to Lead Ghana
Mr. Afenyo-Markin further challenged young people to prepare themselves for leadership and active participation in governance, stressing that the future of the country depends largely on the readiness of the younger generation.
“Our nation stands at a critical moment. Citizens are demanding more accountability, transparency and participation than ever before,” he said.
He urged students to develop competence, integrity and vision while still in school.
“The question is not whether leaders will appear. The question is whether the next generation, especially the young people sitting here today, will be ready,” he stated.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also reminded the students that Ghana’s future leadership must be built on strong ethical values and civic responsibility.
“Will you be prepared to lead with competence, responsibility and civic consciousness? Will you have the judgment, the resilience and the integrity needed to make decisions that affect the lives of millions?” he asked.
He therefore encouraged students to prepare themselves to lead with integrity, responsibility and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
