Harvard Scholar, Asante Royal, Consummate Professional – Profile Of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo)
After months of intense speculation and media buzz, Ghanafeed confirmed yesterday that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the current Minister for Energy, will be the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for the 2024 general elections. The announcement follows Dr. Bawumia’s presentation of his choice to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who has endorsed the selection.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh, affectionately known as Napo, has been seen by many as a strong candidate due to his extensive political and professional background. His selection aims to galvanize the party’s base as the NPP prepares for a highly competitive election.
Who is Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh?
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Manhyia South constituency in the Ashanti Region and holds the position of Minister for Energy.
Early Life and Education:
Dr. Prempeh was born on May 23, 1968, in Kumasi, where he completed his primary, secondary, and tertiary education. He attended the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Human Biology in 1992 and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MB, ChB) degree in 1995.
Following his stint as a House Officer at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from 1995 to 1997, Dr. Prempeh furthered his education at Erasmus University in The Netherlands, obtaining an MSc in Clinical Epidemiology in 1998. He then moved to the United Kingdom, where he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow in 2002. Returning to Ghana in 2003, Dr. Prempeh pursued careers in both business and politics. He is also a Harvard Scholar and an alumnus of the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program.
Political Career:
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh entered Parliament on the NPP ticket during the 2008 general election, representing the people of Manhyia. After the constituency was split, he continued as the MP for Manhyia South from 2012, retaining the seat in subsequent elections in 2016 and 2020.
In 2017, President Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Prempeh as Minister for Education, a role he held until 2021. During his tenure, he led the implementation of the government’s flagship Free Senior High School programme and spearheaded several reforms in curriculum and teacher training, as well as initiatives to promote Technical, Vocational Training, and Education (TVET).
Following the NPP’s victory in the 2020 general elections, Dr. Prempeh was appointed Minister for Energy. In this role, he has overseen significant projects including rural electrification, renegotiation of power agreements, and the establishment of a petroleum hub.
Awards:
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has been recognized for his exemplary leadership with multiple accolades. He was named Best Minister in 2017 and 2019, received the 2020 Harvard Ministerial Medal of Achievement, and was honored with two honorary doctorates from the University of Education, Winneba, and the University for Professional Studies, Accra. Additionally, he was recently listed among the top 25 Movers and Shakers in the Energy Sector by the African Energy Chamber.
Dr. Prempeh’s selection as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the NPP ticket as they head into the 2024 elections.