Youth and development advocate in the Ho West Constituency, Albert Tomi, has called on the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Emmanuel Bedzrah, to consider stepping aside to make way for younger leaders with fresh ideas to represent the constituency in Parliament.
Mr Tomi appealed to the MP to emulate the example of his predecessor, the late Francis Agbotse, who served the constituency for 12 years before voluntarily stepping aside to give others an opportunity to lead.
In a public statement, Mr Tomi noted that Mr Agbotse’s decision had helped create the opportunity for Mr Bedzrah to enter Parliament and urged the incumbent MP to extend a similar opportunity to the next generation of leaders.
“The late Hon. Francis Agbotse served Ho West in Parliament for 12 years before voluntarily stepping aside in his 50s to give others an opportunity. He helped pave the way for your entry into Parliament,” he said.
Addressing Mr Bedzrah directly, Mr Tomi said the MP had served the constituency for close to 20 years and was now in his 60s, making it appropriate for him to reflect on his political journey and consider allowing younger people to take up the mantle of leadership.
“Hon. Bedzrah, you have now served for close to 20 years and are in your 60s. I respectfully appeal to you to reflect on your predecessor’s example and consider giving the youth of Ho West the opportunity to lead,” he stated.
He argued that leadership should not be measured solely by the number of years spent in office but also by the willingness of political leaders to nurture successors and create opportunities for emerging leaders.
According to Mr Tomi, Mr Bedzrah benefited from a predecessor who chose to make room for another person, and doing the same would help strengthen his legacy and demonstrate a commitment to the future of the constituency.
“You benefited from a predecessor who made room for you. It would be a powerful legacy to extend that same opportunity to others,” he said.
Using a popular expression to emphasise his point, Mr Tomi added: “Even the best dancer knows when to leave the stage. When you overstay your time, you risk turning applause into frustration and a celebrated legacy into public fatigue.”
He, however, stressed that his appeal was not intended to dismiss Mr Bedzrah’s years of service but to encourage him to prioritise the long-term interests of Ho West over personal political ambition.
“Hon. Bedzrah, this is not a dismissal of your years of service; it is an appeal to put the future of Ho West above personal political ambition. Leadership is also about preparing others to succeed,” he said.
Mr Tomi maintained that creating space for younger leaders would provide an opportunity for fresh perspectives, new ideas and renewed energy in the representation and development of the constituency.
He concluded by urging the MP to consider making way for the youth, arguing that his legacy should be defined not only by the length of his parliamentary service but also by his willingness to empower the next generation.
“Please, make room for the youth. Let your legacy be defined not only by how long you served, but by your willingness to empower the next generation,” he appealed.