The University of Professional Studies, Accra, on Saturday, 24th July, 2021 conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Doctor of Humane Letters) on Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his outstanding performance in Leadership.
The Minister was honoured with the degree for exhibiting exceptional leadership qualities, leading to the successful implementation of Government’s flagship Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy among other things.
The event was also graced by the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and other very important dignitaries including some members of parliament and ministers of state.
H.E Dr. Bawumia (Vice President of the Republic of Ghana), in his address, stated that indeed Napo deserved to be honoured by the UPSA due to the significant impact during his four-year stay in the Education Ministry.
“I am happy today because this university is honouring the hardworking former Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who executed the Free Senior High School (FSHS) programme with distinction,” the Vice President stated, attracting wild applause.
H.E Dr. Bawumia said Napo’s extraordinary works in the education sector resulted in world bodies like the United Nations, honouring him, reiterating that it was in the right direction that UPSA has also recognised Napo’s positive works.
“Today’s award shows the high regard that people have for Napo, especially due to his roles in promoting quality education in our country,” the Vice President indicated, adding, “Government has initiated the free WiFi Project to provide WiFi connectivity to 722 public Senior High Schools (SHS), 46 Colleges of Education, 16 Regional Offices, 260 District Offices of Education and so far 13 Public Universities have joined and this is part of the work output of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
In his remarks, the former Education Minister who has been an age-long friend and associate of the University of Professional Studies, Accra spoke about his excitement with receiving the honour.
“It is indeed a great honour to be receiving this award today and even a greater honour to be recognized by this prestigious University, the University of Professional Studies, Accra which has played a leading role in shaping the lives of some very prominent Ghanaians,”
“I was very fortunate to have grown up in a household that cherished reading and education. My parents and other extended family members encouraged me to study well and explore the world through my studies. I believe that has played a huge role in me coming this far.” Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh said.
Dr. Prempeh also noted that the foundation of every great country is education and urged higher institutions of learning to contribute their quota to making Ghana a dream country for all.
“I am proud to have played a major role in the implementation of the Free SHS because I know for a fact, the role education has played in the transformation of the world’s leading countries,” he said.
“This is a great example for us and I hope that institutions such as UPSA will not relent in your efforts to produce top human capital for the further development of this great nation.”
"The foundation of every great country is education"
Dr. Opoku Prempeh, who is the Member of Parliament for the Manhyia South Constituency, follows in the footsteps of the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Alban Bagbin and the Majority Leader in parliament, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu who have both received honorary degrees from UPSA.
