Former Minister of Energy and Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is set to deliver a special public lecture at Coventry University in the United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The lecture, which is expected to attract academics, students, development practitioners and other stakeholders, will focus on the critical role of education and energy in Africa’s sustainable development and transformation.
The programme is being held under the theme, “Education, Energy and Sustainable Development: Preparing Future Leaders for Africa’s Transformation.”
Dr. Opoku Prempeh, a former Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vice-Presidential Candidate, will be the Special Guest at the event.
The former Education and Energy Minister is expected to draw on his experience in public administration, education policy and the energy sector to share perspectives on how African countries can develop the human capital and institutional capacity required to drive sustainable development.
His participation is also expected to provide an opportunity for students and academics to engage with a Ghanaian public figure who has served in key sectors of the country’s development.
The lecture comes at a time when African countries are increasingly seeking innovative approaches to education, energy security, job creation and sustainable economic growth.
The organisers are expected to use the event to stimulate discussions on the kind of education systems needed to equip young Africans with the knowledge, skills and leadership qualities necessary to respond to the continent’s evolving development challenges.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh will be joined by senior academics from Coventry University, including Prof. Andrew Turner, Vice-Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), and Prof. Jenna Ward, Dean of the College of Business and Law.
Their participation is expected to broaden the discussion by bringing academic and institutional perspectives to the conversation on education, leadership, energy and sustainable development.
The event is scheduled to take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
It will be held at Square One Bar, The Hub, 4 Jordan Wl, Coventry, CV1 5QT.
The public lecture is expected to provide a platform for meaningful engagement on the future of education and energy in Africa, particularly the need to prepare a new generation of leaders capable of advancing sustainable and inclusive development.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh served as Ghana’s Minister of Education before becoming Minister of Energy. During his time in government, he was involved in policy discussions and initiatives in two sectors considered critical to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
His appearance at Coventry University therefore provides an opportunity for the university community to engage with his experiences in both public service and national policy-making.
The lecture is expected to emphasise the importance of linking quality education with sustainable development, while also examining the strategic role of energy in supporting industrialisation, economic growth and improved living standards across Africa.
The programme forms part of broader efforts to encourage dialogue between African leaders, academics and young people on the continent’s development prospects and the leadership required to achieve meaningful transformation.
With education, energy and sustainable development at the centre of the discussion, participants are expected to explore practical ideas and strategies for building a more resilient and prosperous Africa.
