Matthew Opoku Prempeh

Matthew Opoku Prempeh was born on 23rd May 1968 in Pakyi No 2, Ashanti Region.

Growing up in Ghana, Prempeh's passion for medicine and human biology was evident from an early age. He pursued his higher education at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where he studied Human Biology and Medicine. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue post-graduate studies at prestigious institutions such as the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Before venturing into politics, Matthew Opoku Prempeh made his mark in the private sector. From 2004 to 2009, he served as the CEO of Keyedmap Security Services Limited, showcasing his leadership skills and business acumen. Additionally, he earned recognition as a medical doctor and was a member of the esteemed Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of the United Kingdom between 1999 and 2003.

In 2008, Prempeh made his foray into politics and successfully secured a seat in the Ghanaian parliament, representing Manhyia South in Kumasi, under the banner of the New Patriotic Party. With the support of his constituents, he was re-elected in 2016 with an impressive 87.17% of the votes. Throughout his tenure, he actively served as a member of the health committee and the appointments committee, contributing to key decision-making processes in the parliament.

Recognizing his leadership qualities and commitment to education, President Nana Akufo-Addo appointed Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the Minister for Education on 10th January 2017. This pivotal role allowed him to spearhead critical reforms and improvements in Ghana's educational system for four years, until 6th January 2021. As part of President Akufo-Addo's cabinet, he played an instrumental role in shaping the country's policies and driving its progress.

Matthew Opoku Prempeh's dedication to public service and his visionary leadership have not gone unnoticed. In 2017 and 2019, he was acclaimed as the best Minister in Ghana, an accolade that underscored his significant impact on the nation's educational landscape. Furthermore, in 2020, he received the prestigious Harvard Ministerial Medal of Achievement, a testament to his remarkable achievements in the field of education.

As the Minister of Education, Prempeh championed numerous initiatives to elevate Ghana's educational standards. He focused on enhancing infrastructure, promoting vocational and technical education (TVET), and most notably, leading the government's flagship program, "FREE SHS" (Free Senior High School Education). This ambitious program aimed to provide free education at the secondary level, empowering countless young Ghanaians with access to quality education.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has selected Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate for the 2024 elections.