Napo denies blocking UENR Medical School, calls allegations ‘political mischief’

Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has categorically denied allegations suggesting his interference in the establishment of a medical school at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani, during his tenure as the Minister of Education.

The claims, attributed to the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, have been refuted by Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s press aide, Kofi Afena Abrefa.

Abrefa issued a statement on Thursday, November 30, emphasizing that decisions regarding the establishment of a medical school fall under the jurisdiction of the Ghana National Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the National Accreditation Board.

He clarified that the Education Ministry or the sector minister does not have the authority in such matters.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh urged the public to disregard what he termed “political mischief” by Mr. Asiedu Nketiah.

In a statement, Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s press aide, Kofi Afena Abrefa, addressed the situation:

“Energy Minister and former Minister for Education, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh popularly known as NAPO has become aware of statements attributed to the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a Ghana Web publication of 30th November 2023, to the effect he as Education Minister, blocked the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani from obtaining a medical school.”

“Whilst this statement exposes the NDC National Chairman as not well-informed on matters about the subject matter of tertiary education in Ghana, it is important to refute same,” the aide said in the rejoinder.

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH