Some political pundits say the tenure of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Education Minister offers lessons for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), following recent industrial action by some teacher unions.
The action has reignited debate about the leadership and stakeholder engagement needed to keep Ghana’s education sector stable, according to [Metro TV Online – LINK].
Dr Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, served as Education Minister from 2017 to 2021 before moving to the Energy Ministry. His tenure coincided with major reforms, including the Free Senior High School programme, changes to teacher professional development and the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
A [Ghana Broadcasting Corporation feature – LINK] published in January 2021 credited his administration with maintaining industrial stability in the sector. It attributed this to consultation and engagement with teacher unions. It described his approach as built around understanding the concerns of organised labour and communicating the government’s capacity to address them.
His supporters point to a wider record that includes reforms to teacher education, teacher licensure examinations and initiatives to improve access to science and technical education. They also cite the promotion of technical and vocational education to prepare students for a changing labour market.
Supporters argue that this gives him a substantial policy record to bring to any discussion about the NPP’s future leadership team. They say the ability to manage complex reforms while engaging organised labour is an important consideration in assessing potential running mates.
The report adds a caution. Industrial relations depend on several factors, including government funding, negotiated agreements and the conduct of unions. The recent strike alone does not establish that one former minister would necessarily have prevented it.
After leaving the Education Ministry in 2021, Dr Opoku Prempeh became Minister for Energy. That sector is central to Ghana’s economic competitiveness, industrial development and energy security.
Analysts see the move between the two ministries as evidence of experience across policy areas. Education involves teachers, schools and curriculum reform, while energy covers electricity supply, sector finances, infrastructure and engagement with public and private sector stakeholders
