Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), emphasized the transformative impact of education and the party’s dedication to enhancing access to quality education in Ghana.
He made these remarks at the University of Memphis during an event attended by faculty, international students, and media representatives. The occasion highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the university and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, which is led by the Asantehene.
In his speech, Dr. Prempeh praised the enduring partnership between the university and the Asantehene’s foundation, which has been instrumental in providing educational opportunities for students from Ghana.
He underscored the importance of establishing international educational partnerships to benefit the citizens of Ghana. Dr. Prempeh also discussed Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, referring to it as a pivotal initiative in overcoming financial obstacles to education.
As the former Minister for Education, I played a key role in the implementation of the programme in 2017, aimed at ensuring educational access for all Ghanaian children, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Since the inception of the program, it has been noted that more than five million students have gained access to free education, resulting in notable enhancements in both enrollment and academic performance nationwide.
Dr. Prempeh further emphasized the initiatives undertaken by the NPP to advance gender equality and educational fairness, particularly through the implementation of the 30% equity policy, which allocates positions for underrepresented groups.
The Free SHS policy has resulted in a 53.77% increase in female enrollment in SHS by 2024.
Dr. Prempeh recognized the ongoing challenges but conveyed optimism that persistent initiatives to enhance educational opportunities will pave the way for a more promising future for Ghana. He addressed the audience.
my aspiration is to return to the University of Memphis as the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana.
