Matthew Opoku Prempeh

Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, is one of Ghana's most prominent politicians, having served in senior cabinet positions under the New Patriotic Party government. He represented the Manhyia South constituency in the Ashanti Region in parliament and held two of the most high-profile ministerial portfolios in recent Ghanaian governance: Education and Energy.

Born in Kumasi, Opoku Prempeh trained as a medical doctor before entering politics. His professional background gave him a grounding in evidence-based thinking that he brought to his ministerial roles, though his tenure was not without controversy on both fronts. He is a fluent and direct communicator, known for being outspoken and willing to defend government policy robustly in public.

Minister of Education

As Education Minister under President Nana Akufo-Addo, Opoku Prempeh oversaw the rollout of the Free Senior High School policy, the flagship programme of the NPP's first term. The initiative, which removed tuition fees for senior high school students and dramatically expanded enrolment, was among the most consequential education policy decisions in Ghana's post-independence history. Its implementation attracted both praise for widening access and criticism over infrastructure and resource pressures on schools. Navigating those tensions fell substantially to Opoku Prempeh.

He was a combative defender of the policy in parliamentary debates and media engagements, earning a reputation as one of the more aggressive members of cabinet in handling political opposition.

Minister of Energy

Opoku Prempeh later served as Minister for Energy, taking charge of the portfolio during a period of significant challenge for Ghana's power sector. He oversaw negotiations and policy decisions relating to power purchase agreements, fuel supply and the restructuring of state energy institutions. His tenure coincided with ongoing debates about the cost of electricity and the financial health of the utility companies.

Political Standing

NAPO has consistently been regarded as one of the more influential figures within the NPP hierarchy, with strong roots in the Ashanti Region, historically the party's strongest electoral base. His profile as a minister, parliamentarian and party figure makes him one of the more recognisable names in contemporary Ghanaian politics.