Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the newly endorsed running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed his resolve to support the party’s campaign to secure victory in the 2024 general elections.
On Thursday (4 July) the National Council of the party approved Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, as the running mate of Dr. Bawumia.
In his acceptance statement, the Manhyia South lawmaker pledged his dedication to supporting Dr Bawumia in effectively communicating his transformative campaign message, aimed at breaking the 8-year political cycle and securing a decisive victory for the NPP in the 2024 general elections.
The Energy Minister acknowledged his nomination, recognizing the immense responsibility that comes with it.
He vowed to collaborate closely with Dr Bawumia, leveraging their collective strengths to ensure a resounding victory for the New Patriotic Party and a successful retention of the presidency.
NAPO expressed his appreciation to President Akufo-Addo, the national council, party executives, and party members for their support and reposing confidence in him.
“As I assume the role of running mate alongside my esteemed boss, H.E. Dr Bawumia, I am committed to supporting him to prosecute a formidable 2024 campaign to break the 8-year election cycle and serve our beloved country diligently. Let us work together towards a brighter future for Ghana,” he promised.
Profile of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh
Matthew Opoku Prempeh was born on May 23, 1968, in Ashanti New Town, a suburb of Kumasi, and hails from Pakyi No. 2 in the Ashanti Region.
He began his basic education at KNUST Primary School and continued to Prempeh College for his middle school education, both in Kumasi.
He studied Human Biology and Medicine at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), completing his MB CHB in 1994.
He pursued post-graduate studies in MSc. Clinical Epidemiology at the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences in 1998 and received further postgraduate training in surgery in the UK.
Career and political life
Before entering Parliament in 2008, after winning the Manhyia South seat, Dr. Opoku Prempeh served as the chief executive officer of Keyedmap Security Services Limited from 2004 to 2009.
He was a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2003.
Elected to Parliament in 2008 on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party, he was re-elected with 35,958 votes (87.17%) in the 2016 parliamentary elections and won overwhelmingly again in 2020.
Before his appointment as Minister for Education in 2017, he was a member of the Defence and Interior Committee and the Appointments Committee. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed him as Minister for Education on January 10, 2017.
During his tenure, the NPP’s flagship Free SHS programme was implemented. He served as Education Minister until January 6, 2021, when his term ended. He was appointed Minister for Energy in 2021 after the NPP retained power in the 2020 elections.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH