Former Minister for Education as well as Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), has been named among the 100 Inspiring Individuals in Africa by the African Regional Journal, in a recognition highlighting individuals whose achievements are considered inspirational across the continent.
The recognition, announced under the African Regional Awards, places the former minister among personalities drawn from different professional backgrounds, including public administration, business and institutional leadership, on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The awards are designed to celebrate individuals whose work and achievements serve as inspiration to others while encouraging greater participation in Africa’s development.
NAPO’s inclusion in the list comes against the backdrop of his career in Ghanaian public service, during which he occupied two significant ministerial positions under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He served as Minister for Education before subsequently taking charge of the Ministry of Energy, placing him at the centre of policy discussions and decisions in two critical sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
Dr Opoku Prempeh, born on May 23, 1968, built his political career through parliamentary representation and ministerial appointments.
His parliamentary journey began in 2008 when he was elected to represent his constituency in Parliament on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He subsequently consolidated his political standing through electoral contests, including his re-election in 2016 when he polled 35,958 votes, representing 87.17 per cent of the total valid votes cast in his constituency, according to the details provided in the publication.
His electoral performance reflected the level of support he received from constituents during that contest.
Beyond Parliament, Dr Opoku Prempeh went on to assume ministerial responsibilities, becoming one of the prominent figures in the Akufo-Addo administration.
In May 2017, former President Akufo-Addo named Dr Opoku Prempeh among 19 ministers selected to serve in his first Cabinet.
The nominations were submitted to Parliament and subsequently made public by the then Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye.
His inclusion in the Cabinet placed him within the President’s principal team of ministers responsible for advising on major policy matters and coordinating the implementation of government priorities.
As Minister for Education, he was responsible for a sector central to human capital development, skills acquisition, and the preparation of young people for the country’s social and economic future.
He later moved to the Ministry of Energy, where he assumed responsibility for another strategic sector involving electricity generation and supply, energy security and the broader development of Ghana’s energy industry.
His movement between the two ministries gave him experience in different areas of national administration, spanning education policy and energy management.
According to the African Regional Journal, the African Regional Awards seek to educate, inspire and encourage people to contribute to the development of the continent.
The publication identifies self-belief, belief in others and the ability to encourage people to improve themselves and aspire to greater achievements as qualities associated with inspiring individuals.
The selection process, as outlined in the supplied information, considers several areas, including developmental impact, governance, transparency and accountability, as well as creativity and innovation.
These criteria are intended to assess the contributions and influence of individuals across different sectors.
Dr Opoku Prempeh was listed under the Minister of Energy category, alongside other business leaders, public officials and heads of institutions from various parts of Africa.
His inclusion therefore places his name among a group of personalities the publication has selected for recognition under its awards initiative.
The recognition also draws attention to the role of public officials in shaping national development through leadership, policy formulation and institutional administration.
Education and energy remain important pillars of Ghana’s development agenda. Education provides the foundation for human capital development, while a reliable energy supply supports industrial growth, commercial activity and the delivery of essential public services.
Individuals who occupy leadership positions in these sectors operate within policy environments that require strategic decision-making, accountability and coordination among multiple institutions.
The African Regional Journal’s recognition of Dr Opoku Prempeh provides an opportunity to reflect on his public service career and his experience in these two sectors.
However, the recognition, as presented in the supplied information, does not detail specific projects or measurable outcomes that informed his selection. Further information from the organisers would be required to establish the precise considerations behind his inclusion.
For now, his appearance on the 100 Inspiring Individuals in Africa list places the former minister among personalities being highlighted by the publication for their profiles and contributions across the continent.
The African Regional Awards initiative, meanwhile, seeks to use the achievements of recognised individuals to encourage others to participate in Africa’s development and pursue higher standards in their respective fields.
By Benjamin Aidoo
