Former Vice-President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, are expected to headline a major youth leadership and governance summit in Kumasi on June 20, 2026.
The event, organised by the Young Commons Forum (YCF), will take place at the New Great Hall of Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) and is expected to attract more than 1,000 students from both KsTU and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The summit aims to create a platform for meaningful discussions on governance, leadership, entrepreneurship and the role of young people in national development.
It will bring together students, youth leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and other emerging changemakers to exchange ideas and explore solutions to challenges facing the country.
Organisers say the programme forms part of the Young Commons Forum’s broader effort to strengthen youth participation in Ghana’s democratic and socio-economic development by engaging students across tertiary institutions nationwide.
A key highlight of the event will be an interactive session featuring Dr. Bawumia and Afenyo-Markin.
The two leaders are expected to engage directly with students, sharing insights from their experiences in government and public service while responding to questions on national issues and policy direction.
The forum is expected to provide participants with an opportunity to challenge leaders on governance decisions, discuss the future of youth involvement in politics and examine strategies for promoting inclusive development.
According to organisers, discussions will focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, responsible citizenship, digital innovation and ways of expanding opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s progress.
The inclusion of students from both KNUST and KsTU is expected to enrich the conversations, bringing together perspectives from diverse academic backgrounds, including science, technology, engineering, business, communication and the humanities.
Launched by Afenyo-Markin in September 2025, the Young Commons Forum has grown into a national platform for youth engagement.
Previous editions held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) attracted significant student participation and helped strengthen dialogue between young people and political leaders.
Organisers believe the Kumasi edition could become one of the largest youth governance gatherings in the Ashanti Region this year, reflecting growing interest among students in public policy, leadership and national development.
They expressed confidence that the summit will inspire critical thinking, encourage collaboration and help nurture the next generation of leaders committed to innovation, accountability and national progress.
