The battle of the Veeps: it is Jane vs. Napo
In what promises to be a compelling vice-presidential race, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the current Energy Minister, is set to face off against Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) running mate for the 2024 election.
Both candidates have previously served as Ministers of Education, setting the stage for a comparison of their records and accomplishments during their tenure.
Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s tenure
Professor Opoku-Agyemang served as Minister of Education from February 2013 to January 2017.
Her term was marked by significant reforms, including upgrading Colleges of Education into tertiary institutions, converting polytechnics into technical universities, and eliminating the shift system in public schools.
She is credited with innovative policy initiatives and infrastructural developments that significantly shaped Ghana’s educational landscape.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s tenurev
Dr. Prempeh, known as NAPO, served as Minister of Education from 2017 to 2020.
He is renowned for implementing the flagship Free Senior High School Policy, which transformed secondary education in Ghana and became a model for other African countries.
His tenure also saw the revival and promotion of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other key curriculum and policy initiatives that reshaped the country’s education sector.
Upcoming election dynamics
The legacies of both candidates during their time as Education Ministers are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming elections.
Political analysts are poised to keenly compare their records, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) anticipated to leverage the handing-over notes from Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s tenure to critique and challenge her performance.
NPP’s running mate selection
Sources close to the presidency indicate that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, has submitted Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s name to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for approval as his running mate.
An earlier report by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) highlights Dr. Prempeh as the preferred choice among NPP members, particularly emphasizing the strategic importance of selecting a candidate from the Ashanti region, a party stronghold.
Survey results
The NIB report reveals that Dr. Prempeh garnered an impressive 76.2% support from party executives, especially from constituency and polling station executives.
His closest contender, Yaw Osei Adutwum, the current Minister of Education, received 10.1% of the responses, positioning him as the second most preferred choice.
Expected announcement
Sources close to the New Patriotic Party indicate that Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh is expected to be officially announced at the next National Council meeting, anticipated to be held by the end of July.
This impending face-off between two former Education Ministers promises to be a key highlight of the 2024 elections, with both sides preparing to present their achievements and visions for the future to the Ghanaian electorate.
