'Speak up!' - Afenyo-Markin charges youth

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the youth of Ghana to speak out when they have grievances.

According to him, the failure of citizens to air their grievances will continue to make politicians and leaders relaxed in their roles.

Afenyo-Markin was speaking to students of Ashesi University in a conversation moderated by Emeritus Professor Kwesi Yankah.

Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency and Minority Leader of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, explored leadership, service, resilience, and the role of young people in strengthening Ghana’s democracy.

“If today, you as future leaders see some of these weaknesses, which I must concede is one of our problems, I will say that let us begin with a change in our attitude and speak out. There is a difference between being abusive and speaking out and calling leadership to order.

There is a difference between being abusive, speaking out and calling leaders to order. It must begin from your side. Especially so now that social media makes it easy for people to express views. If you don’t add up, we will be comfortable; leaders will be in their comfort zone but that is not how it is supposed to be,” he said.

On his work in Parliament, he disclosed that he is often asked why he doesn’t let things go and his response has been that it is his work to put friendship aside and point for the right things to be done.

“As a Minority leader, sometimes people think, ‘Why are you being obstructive? Why didn’t you let it go?’ I said, ‘No, it is my job. Mine is to put friendship aside and tell you as it is boldly, courageously, and at my own peril,” he stated.