Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah Finds Hope At The United Nations In New York

In a powerful reflection on the value of global cooperation, Ghanaian media personality and law student Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah has recounted a transformative visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Afrifa-Mensah, who is currently pursuing an LL.M. degree at the University of Connecticut (UConn), visited the UN alongside fellow graduate students. He described the trip not as a routine academic tour, but as a profound encounter with the principles and aspirations that drive international diplomacy.

He shared highlights of the experience on his social media platforms, noting how the visit deepened his appreciation for the institutions shaping global peace, justice, and development.

“I recently had the privilege of visiting the United Nations headquarters with fellow UConn students. Standing in that historic institution was deeply inspiring not because of its grandeur, but because of the powerful ideals it represents”.

“Within those historic halls, I felt the heartbeat of humanity: nations, cultures, and peoples different in many ways yet united in our pursuit of peace, justice, dignity, and progress. It reminded me powerfully that the UN is more than a landmark. It is a living testament to what we can achieve when we rise above division and commit to our shared destiny”.

“Inspired by this experience, I renew my pledge to devote my life to God, to Ghana, and to humanity. I choose service over comfort, purpose over complacency, and impact over indifference. May our actions reflect the very principles we champion unity, courage, integrity, and compassion so that together, we build a world worthy of future generations”.

“Let us continue to rise, serve, and inspire. For the people, for the honor, for our country”.

Afrifa-Mensah shared these reflections in a recent statement that has since resonated widely among Ghanaian and international student communities.

For the outspoken broadcaster—celebrated for his sharp political analysis on the popular show For The Records—the visit represented far more than admiring architecture or stepping into a historic institution. The United Nations Headquarters, overlooking the East River in Manhattan, stands as a global symbol of multilateralism: a place where representatives of 193 member states gather to confront humanity’s most urgent challenges, from climate change and poverty to conflict resolution and human rights.

Organized under UConn’s experiential learning program in international law and global affairs, the tour offered Afrifa-Mensah and his colleagues access to key areas of the UN complex, including the General Assembly Hall and the Trusteeship Council Chamber. They also participated in guided discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the evolving role of youth in peacekeeping and global governance.

For many of the students—particularly those from the Global South—this firsthand exposure to international diplomacy was both inspiring and deeply meaningful.

“As an African, seeing our continent’s perspectives amplified on this stage fills you with hope,” Afrifa-Mensah reflected. “But it also underscores the gaps: the need for more equitable representation and bolder action on issues like illegal mining back home or migration crises worldwide.”

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Afrifa-Mensah’s journey to UConn itself is a story of perseverance and academic excellence. Relocating from Ghana in early September 2025, he secured a prestigious scholarship through an exchange program between the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)—where he was pursuing his law degree—and UConn School of Law.

Selected for his top-tier GPA, the one-year LL.M. program equips participants with advanced legal training, eligibility to sit for the U.S. Bar Exam, and exposure to American jurisprudence.

“This isn’t just about a degree,” Afrifa-Mensah emphasized. “It’s about building bridges—between Ghana and the U.S., between media and policy, between aspiration and action.”

His time in the U.S. has already been marked by notable milestones. Just weeks after arrival, Afrifa-Mensah hosted a surprise visit from Ghanaian politician Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh at his new residence, sparking viral videos of heartfelt discussions on education and leadership.

More recently, in early November, he addressed a gathering of global leaders and human rights advocates, urging the Christian community not to become a “weak link” in the fight against persecution and calling on African institutions to enforce freedoms enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. As Chairman of the Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS), Afrifa-Mensah’s advocacy blends his media prowess with a growing focus on international human rights.

The UN visit, coming amid his immersive studies, has reignited Afrifa-Mensah’s commitment to global citizenship.

“For young people like us, it’s a call to arms,” he said. “The UN isn’t perfect—bureaucracy, veto powers, unfulfilled promises—but it represents our best shot at unity. In a world fracturing along national lines, these ideals remind us that peace isn’t passive; it’s a deliberate choice.”

Fellow UConn students echoed his sentiments. “Okatakyie’s passion brought the tour to life,” said one anonymous classmate. “He connected the dots between UN resolutions and real-world struggles in Ghana, making it all feel urgent and personal.” The group also participated in a mock Security Council simulation, debating topics like cybersecurity threats and refugee crises, further highlighting the practical relevance of the institution.

As Afrifa-Mensah balances rigorous coursework with plans to start ‘For The Records’ from U.S. studios, his UN reflection serves as a timely message. With ongoing global tensions—from U.S.-China trade frictions to conflicts in the Middle East—the need for inspired leaders has never been greater.

“We left the UN not just informed, but ignited,” he concluded. “May we all carry that fire forward.”

Afrifa-Mensah’s story continues to inspire Ghanaians abroad and at home, proving that one student’s journey can echo the aspirations of many.