Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as “Napo,” was born on May 23, 1968, in Ashanti New Town, in Kumasi. He is from Pakyi in the Ashanti Region and currently serves as the Energy Minister after previously holding the position of Minister for Education in President Akufo-Addo’s initial administration.
Formal education for him started at KNUST Primary before gaining admission at Prempeh College in Kumasi for middle school education. His academic pursuit in medicine led him to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he obtained a degree in Human Biology and Medicine (MB CHB) in 1994. His thirst for knowledge saw him furthering his studies with a Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology from the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences in 1998. He also studied Leadership and Government at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and pursued postgraduate training in surgery in the UK, becoming a Member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Before entering the political arena, he was a practicing medical doctor and a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons from 1999 to 2003. He also held the position of CEO at Keyedmap Security Services Limited from 2004 to 2009. His medical background and leadership skills provided a strong foundation for his subsequent political career.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s political journey began in 2008 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Manhyia constituency, now known as Manhyia South, in Kumasi. A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he became a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics. His re-election in 2016, where he secured 87.17% of the votes, demonstrated his popularity and effectiveness as a representative.
As an MP, he served on the Health Committee and the Appointments Committee, playing a crucial role in legislative processes. His political acumen and dedication were further recognized when the President, Nana Akufo-Addo appointed him as the Minister for Education in January 2017. During his tenure, he championed several key initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure, the promotion of vocational and technical education (TVET), and the implementation of the government’s flagship program, “FREE SHS.”
In May 2017, Napo was named one of the nineteen ministers forming the President’s cabinet, becoming part of the inner circle responsible for critical decision-making in the country. His contributions to the education sector were widely acknowledged, and in 2021, following President Akufo-Addo’s re-election, he was appointed Minister of Energy.
His contributions have been recognized by several prestigious institutions. In May 2021, the University of Education Winneba awarded him an Honorary Doctorate Degree, and in July 2021, the University of Professional Studies honoured him with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. The University of Cape Coast also acknowledged his contributions to Ghana’s development and service to the university.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a Christian and the nephew of former President John Agyekum Kufuor. In 2024, he remarried after divorcing his first wife.
His personal achievements and professional milestones have made him a respected and influential figure in Ghanaian society.
His legacy extends beyond his political and professional achievements. In May 2022, the group “Friends of Napo” marked his 54th birthday by donating educational materials to schools in the Manhyia South Constituency. Additionally, Prempeh College named a dormitory block after him on June 17, 2023, in recognition of his contributions.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh continues to be a pivotal figure in Ghana’s journey towards progress, with his multifaceted career and dedicated public service leaving an indelible mark in the nation’s history.
