The National Executive Council (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has unanimously endorsed Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 general elections, citing his fulfillment of all required criteria for the position.
Early Life and Education:
Born on May 23, 1968, in Ashanti New Town, Kumasi, Dr. Opoku Prempeh hails from Pakyi No. 2 in the Ashanti Region. He attended KNUST Primary School and Prempeh College for his middle school education, both in Kumasi. He earned his MB CHB in Human Biology and Medicine from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 1994. Dr. Opoku Prempeh furthered his studies with an MSc in Clinical Epidemiology from the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences and underwent postgraduate training in surgery in the UK.
Career and Political Life:
Prior to his political career, Dr. Opoku Prempeh served as CEO of Keyedmap Security Services Limited. He became a Member of Parliament in 2008 for Manhyia South and has consistently been re-elected, winning with significant margins in subsequent elections. Appointed Minister for Education in 2017, he played a pivotal role in implementing the NPP’s Free SHS program. He later served as Minister for Energy after the 2020 elections.
Becoming NPP’s Running Mate:
Dr. Opoku Prempeh emerged as a leading candidate for the NPP’s running mate position. His nomination was formally submitted during a meeting between Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President Akufo-Addo on June 25, 2024, at Jubilee House. The decision was ratified by the party’s national council at Alisa Hotel on July 4.