Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has stressed the need for Ghana to prioritize meritocracy over partisanship in creating opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, the Minority Leader expressed concern over the politicization of youth empowerment initiatives and urged a national shift towards recognizing talent, creativity, and drive rather than party loyalty.
“We must take a hard look at how we extend opportunity, particularly to the youth. They must not be supported only when they wear party colors; they must be supported when they demonstrate potential, creativity, and drive,” he stated.
According to him, building the country’s future on political favoritism risks stifling progress and innovation, noting that national development hinges on fairness and equal opportunity for all deserving citizens, irrespective of their political alignment.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the increasing tendency for partisan considerations to influence access to state contracts and business opportunities was eroding merit and distorting fair competition.
Minority Leader in Parliament – Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin
”When everything is politicized from cocoa purchasing to road contracts to even small loans, you push away people who just want to work hard and succeed,”
Mr. Afenyo-Markin said.
He called on both political leaders and state institutions to act more responsibly and uphold fairness in public economic affairs. In his view, Ghana cannot nurture a thriving private sector if success is determined by connections rather than competence.
“We need to get to a point where your political background doesn’t determine your success in business. That’s the only way we can truly grow as a nation,” he added.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also advised the youth to avoid relying on political favoritism as a shortcut to wealth, warning that it only breeds inequality and resentment.