By Kizito CUDJOE
In a defining moment for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has been officially endorsed as the vice-presidential candidate, paving the way to step up the Party’s preparations for the 2024 general elections.
This announcement, delivered by the General Secretary of NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, followed the unanimous confirmation by the National Council, indicating a united front as the Party gears up for the electoral battle.
The endorsement came after a decisive meeting held today, underlining the constitutional mandate as per Article 13(3)(1) of the NPP Constitution, which empowers the Party’s presidential candidate, in consultation with the National Council, to nominate a vice-presidential candidate.
Dr. Prempeh, nominated by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate, received overwhelming support, sealing his position as the running mate for the upcoming elections.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, affectionately known as Napo, is not new to the political landscape. At 56, the seasoned politician and medical doctor brings a wealth of experience and a solid track record in both education and energy sectors.
His journey from Prempeh College through Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to Erasmus University in the Netherlands has been marked by leadership and dedication. Notably, his tenure as the local National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) President from 1991 to 1992 laid the foundation for his political career.
Returning to Ghana after a stint with the National Health Service in the UK, Dr. Prempeh’s political career took off in 2009 when he became the Member of Parliament for Manhyia.
Following the constituency’s division in 2012, he successfully represented Manhyia South, securing re-elections in 2016 and 2020.
Dr. Prempeh’s tenure as Minister of Education under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration, according to the Party, was marked by significant achievements, particularly the implementation of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy.
Despite initial skepticism from various quarters, Dr. Prempeh’s decisive leadership saw the SHS population surge from 800,000 in 2016 to 1.2 million by January 2021.
In President Akufo-Addo’s second term, Dr. Prempeh transitioned to the Ministry of Energy, where he faced the formidable challenge of maintaining power supply during a period of global economic instability.
Despite some recent power outages, it is understood that his swift response and effective management ensured that these challenges were short-lived.
He is a recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Education, Winneba, the University of Cape Coast, and the University of Professional Studies, Accra, recognizing his impact on Ghana’s education system.
The synergy between Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Prempeh, founded on mutual respect and a shared vision of innovative solutions for Ghana’s future, is believed, positions the NPP as a formidable contender in the upcoming elections.
Their combined experience and leadership are expected to resonate with the electorate, strengthening the Party’s prospects for a third consecutive victory on December 7, 2024.
