Harness AI for leadership, national dev’t – Afenyo-Markin urges youth

Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on Ghanaian youth to embrace digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) as essential tools for leadership and national development.

Delivering the keynote address at the Beyond the Degree Conference 2026 on Saturday, March 14, Afenyo-Markin described AI as one of the most transformative forces shaping the modern world, influencing sectors ranging from healthcare and agriculture to finance, education and transportation.

He noted that the future of work and leadership will increasingly depend on digital literacy, technological adaptability, creativity and problem-solving skills, urging young people to position themselves for opportunities in technology-driven entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Around the world, AI is transforming how businesses operate, how governments deliver services and how knowledge is produced and shared. For the youth of Ghana, this transformation presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Young people must recognise that the future of work and leadership will increasingly be shaped by digital technologies, automation and intelligent systems. The skills that will define success in the coming decades will not only include traditional academic knowledge, but also digital literacy, technological adaptability, creativity and problem solving,” he said.

While highlighting the potential of AI to improve lives and strengthen economies, Afenyo-Markin also stressed the importance of ethical responsibility in the use of emerging technologies.

“Technology must serve humanity. It must not deepen inequality or undermine democratic values,” he said, calling on young people to help shape policies and frameworks that ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

He further noted that the rapidly changing global environment presents both challenges and opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

“The real question is whether the youth of today will prepare themselves to lead effectively within that changing world, using knowledge, technology, and innovation to strengthen governance, expand opportunity, and advance national development,” he said.

The lawmaker concluded that developing competent leaders capable of navigating and shaping an evolving technological landscape will be crucial for Ghana’s progress, urging students and graduates to embrace innovation and adapt quickly to emerging realities.