Afenyo-Markin rallies youth behind Bawumia's digital vision at UMaT summit

Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, has urged Ghanaian youth to embrace the transformational vision of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, describing digitalization as the key to unlocking sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities.

Speaking at the Beyond Limits Summit organized by the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, Afenyo-Markin, who represented Dr Bawumia as special guest, said the NPP flagbearer’s vision is anchored on inclusive development, innovation, and the effective use of technology to improve the lives of Ghanaians.

Addressing students and party supporters on the theme, “Inspiring Young Minds to Break Barriers and Build Legacies,” Afenyo-Markin said Dr Bawumia envisions “a tent big enough to accommodate all our people,” where every Ghanaian, regardless of ethnic, political, or religious background, has the opportunity to contribute to national development.

He said the NPP flagbearer is committed to building a food-secure, safe, and prosperous Ghana by harnessing the talents of citizens, creating sustainable jobs with meaningful incomes, and positioning the country to fully participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution through digital systems and data-driven governance.

According to Afenyo-Markin, digitalization has become the foundation of modern economic management, making it imperative for Ghana to be led by someone who understands the digital economy.

“The future belongs to the youth,” he said. “If we are to build a competitive digital economy, we must create opportunities for young people to innovate, acquire skills, and participate meaningfully in national development. That is exactly what Dr Bawumia’s vision seeks to achieve.”

He contrasted the NPP’s digital transformation agenda with what he described as the opposition National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) failure to provide practical solutions to youth unemployment.

He criticised the NDC’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, arguing that it lacked a clear implementation strategy and would not deliver the quality jobs young people need.

According to the Leader of the NPP Parliamentary Group, “Dr Bawumia is making a firm commitment to use digitalization as the platform for creating opportunities for the youth and empowering them to succeed in the modern economy.”

Afenyo-Markin also commended TESCON for its commitment to promoting the ideals of the NPP across tertiary institutions.

He praised the leadership and members of TESCON-UMaT for organising the summit and encouraged them to intensify their efforts ahead of the next general election.

He further challenged the student body to work diligently towards reclaiming the Tarkwa parliamentary seat for the NPP, stressing that the active participation of young people would be critical to the party’s electoral success.

Afenyo-Markin concluded his remarks by reiterating his call for party unity, insisting that “the NDC cannot defeat a united NPP. Only a divided NPP can defeat itself. So, I charge every TESCON member, every patriot seated in this hall that the contest is over. The flagbearership race is over. There is one mission. It is 2028. There is only one badge of honour in this hall today, and it is spelt NPP.”

The Beyond Limits Summit brought together students, youth leaders, and party supporters to discuss leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the role of young people in shaping Ghana’s future.

The event formed part of TESCON’s efforts to inspire the next generation of leaders and promote active youth participation in national development.