Prof. Godfred Alufar Bokpin, a Finance and Economics lecturer at the University of Ghana, has urged African youth to protect their intellectual independence and refuse to be recruited into toxic political battles.
The future of Africa, he says, will not be shaped by who shouts the loudest or who insults opponents the most, but by the quality of ideas that young people are willing to defend.
He made the call while speaking at the 12th IMANI Africa-UPSA Students & Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Accra on Monday, August 24, 2026, on the topic ‘Building resilient economies to enhance inclusive governance in Africa’.
According to him, competition must return to the marketplace of ideas where policies are debated, alternatives are tested and superior thinking wins on merit.
Prof. Bokpin noted that when young people mortgage their conscience and intellect for partisan convenience, they betray not only themselves but an entire generation waiting for leadership.
He indicated that the continent’s place in the global order will be determined by its contribution to knowledge and innovation, not by its ability to mimic political trends.
“Let’s treasure competition that is based on ideas rather than who is insulting who. If you sell your intellectual liberty for the politics of today, you have failed your generation,” Prof. Bokpin told Students from across the continent gathered at the Academy.
He said many young Africans are alive but are not yet relevant as factors of production because they have not positioned themselves to respond to where the world is moving.
“Merely being alive is not enough to be a factor of production. But recognizing where the world is moving and develop yourself along,” he explained.
The University of Ghana Business School’s Professor further highlighted the need for Africa to shed the posture of a passive observer and become an active participant in shaping global discourse on economics, technology, governance and sustainability.
“Africa cannot be a spectator in the global room of ideas,” he stressed.
He said SYPALA’s mission aligns with that vision of raising thinkers and doers who are not afraid to question dominant narratives and propose homegrown solutions.
SYPALA is designed to train a new crop of future visionaries and leaders to carry the torch of liberty and blaze the trail of prosperity.
The Academy brings together young Africans ready to learn, challenge ideas, exchange perspectives and shape the future of the continent under the theme “Africa’s Ascent: Forging Resilient Economies and Inclusive Governance”.
