Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) members to remain patient and committed in politics, drawing from his own journey from “Bob No Rank” to a prominent political figure.

Addressing TESCON members on February 16, he recounted his first media appearance and explained how he was carefully mentored and gradually groomed, learning the craft step by step over time.

“I remember my first appearance on Talking Point. Kwaku Kwarteng was on standby. Before I went on air, he coached me thoroughly. He would tell me, ‘These are the economic issues; these are the key points. If the host asks this, respond this way. Avoid saying this; don’t approach it that way.’

“During commercial breaks, he would correct me. He would say, ‘Alex, that was good, but when you go back, challenge that point. On this issue, you were weak. Later, when I appeared on Joy News’ Newsfile, my mentor would call me after every break and assess my performance, sometimes telling me I had been outperformed, other times encouraging me. But he always showed me how to improve. It takes time; it is a process.”

He described the demanding routine he maintained in those days.

“I would wake up at 5 a.m. and start at TV3, then move to GBC, from GBC to Adom, and then come to Parliament. In the afternoon, I would go to Asempa. In the evening, I would return to Adom for their late-night programme, Pampaso, and afterwards attend to Minority Caucus work.”

Despite his hard work, he said recognition did not come immediately.

“When the party came to power, my name was not included in deputy ministerial or ministerial appointments. Even in Parliament, if you are not a minister, it is through committee roles that you gain recognition. First-term MPs were made vice-chairs; some were even made committee chairs. As for me, I was ‘Bob No Rank.’”

He said his experience should encourage young politicians not to give up.

“I am telling you this so you will be encouraged. If you are alive, you do not know what tomorrow holds. In politics, you must think about the future; otherwise, you may ruin your chances.”

Reflecting on his time in opposition, he added:

“We spent four years in opposition and worked tirelessly. In Winneba, they would tease, saying, ‘Your Alex was not given any position.’ Some supporters felt disappointed. But I told them, ‘Relax, let’s explain.’”

He urged TESCON members not to be discouraged if they do not immediately receive positions.

“If you worked hard yesterday and did not get a position, it does not mean you have been ignored. You are progressing. This is your party. You cannot sit back and allow things to deteriorate.”

Drawing lessons from senior political figures, he said:

“Former President Kufuor contested and lost at first. He was not even first or second. But he tried again and eventually won. Ex-President Akufo-Addo also lost an internal election. It was painful, but he contested again and ultimately succeeded.”

“The first time I won a primary was in 2004. On the day of filing, some party elders said, ‘You, this small boy, you want to be an MP? It will not happen. But in the end, I succeeded,” he added.

He concluded with a message of faith and perseverance:

“If your time has not yet come, do not blame God, and do not lose heart. Sometimes, He is preparing something far greater than you can see. At the appointed time, it will be revealed. Do not say the party has disappointed you and walk away. Every one of us has a journey, and every journey has its season.”