Don’t trade intellectual liberty for today’s politics – Prof. Bokpin tells African youth

Finance and Economics lecturer Prof. Godfred Alufar Bokpin has urged African youth to safeguard their intellectual autonomy and abstain from involvement in contentious political disputes. He contended that Africa's future will not be dictated by who raises the most noise or insults opponents most vehemently, but by the caliber of ideas that young people are prepared to defend.

Delivering his address at the 12th IMANI Africa-UPSA Students & Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Accra on Monday, August 24, 2026, on the subject 'Building resilient economies to enhance inclusive governance in Africa', Prof. Bokpin stressed the importance of competition returning to the marketplace of ideas, where policies are deliberated, alternatives are evaluated, and superior thinking prevails based on merit.

Prof. Bokpin cautioned that when young people surrender their conscience and intellect for the sake of political expediency, they are not only betraying themselves but also an entire generation looking for leadership. He posited that Africa's standing in the global arena will be contingent upon its contribution to knowledge and innovation, not its capacity to mirror political trends.

"Don't exchange your intellectual liberty for today's political climate," he warned the students gathered from across the continent at the Academy. Bokpin emphasized that many African youth are alive but have yet to become relevant factors of production due to their failure to position themselves to respond to the direction the world is moving.

"Being alive is not sufficient to be a factor of production. Understanding where the world is heading and developing yourself accordingly is crucial," he elaborated.

He underscored the necessity for Africa to transition from a passive observer to an active participant in the global discourse on economics, technology, governance, and sustainability. "Africa cannot simply stand by in the global room of ideas," he underscored. He reiterated SYPALA's mission in line with this vision of nurturing thinkers and doers who are not hesitant to question prevailing narratives and propose homegrown solutions.

SYPALA aims to mold a new generation of visionary and leader figures to continue the torch of liberty and pave the way for prosperity. The Academy assembles young Africans eager to learn, debate ideas, share perspectives, and mold the continent's future under the theme 'Africa’s Ascent: Forging Resilient Economies and Inclusive Governance'.