Matthew Opoku Prempeh
Mathew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, Minister of Education, has been honoured for successfully implementing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy – which is considered as the best social intervention policy in Ghana’s history.
The minister, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South in Kumasi, was honoured during this year’s edition of the ‘African Quality Awards 2018’ in Kumasi on yesterday.
Organized by MCJOY Advertising Company Limited, the awards scheme, which was started six years ago, is geared towards rewarding hard working and visionary Ghanaians whose hard work has caused positive change in the country.
Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, Michael Nana Ampong, founding president of MCJOY Advertising, said several people expressed doubt as to whether the Free SHS programme – which is a capital-intensive project – could become a reality.
According to Nana Ampong, Napo had proved all the critics wrong, as he worked tirelessly to implement the programme which he (Nana Ampong) noted had benefitted virtually every household in the country.
He stated that exceptional people like Napo, who have vision and are passionate about the proper development of Ghana, should be honoured whilst they are alive so as to encourage them to sustain good works.
A nicely made crystal plate and a certificate of achievement, which were meant to be presented to Napo – who is presently out of the country – were received on his behalf by the deputy education minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum.
Interestingly, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum was also honoured for supporting his boss.
Nana Otuo Serebuo II, the Council of State Chairman and paramount chief of Juaben, was also honoured for his extraordinary works, which had enhanced Ghana’s growth.
Also awarded were COP Ken Yeboah, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, William Asante Bediako, DCE Amansie West; Nana Agyei Panin, Chief of Deduako, among other distinguished individuals.
From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi