Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Minister for Education in Ghana, has once again made his mark on the global stage.
This time, he returned to Harvard University as a faculty member for the prestigious Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program, where he shared his experience implementing the Free Senior High School (SHS) program in Ghana.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s leadership in education has left a lasting impact on Ghana. As Minister for Education from 2017 to 2021, he successfully implemented the Free SHS program, increasing access to secondary education for thousands of students.
The program, introduced in 2017 under the Akufo-Addo administration, has been a game-changer in Ghana’s education sector, providing free education to students and covering 41 items, including tuition, meals, textbooks, and boarding.
Dr. Prempeh’s association with the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program began in 2017 when he attended the program as a participant. His dedication to education reform earned him the Harvard Ministerial Medal of Achievement in 2020, which he finally received in person this year. According to Dr. Prempeh, the program equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to execute his mandate as Minister of Education successfully.
The Free SHS program has had a significant impact on Ghana’s education sector. Some notable achievements include
– Increased Access to Education: Over 100,000 students each year who would have been on the streets are now in school.
– Reduced Dropout Rates: Dropout rates in the South fell to match the North in the first year of the program’s implementation.
– Improved Education Outcomes: The program has provided thousands of students with access to secondary education, regardless of their financial background.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s commitment to education is evident in his words: “Expanding access, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to a new generation of Ghanaians is a legacy of service that continues to inspire me.” His work as a faculty member at Harvard University is a testament to his dedication to education and leadership development.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s story serves as an inspiration to leaders and educators around the world.
His transformative leadership and commitment to education have made a lasting impact on Ghana’s education sector.
As he continues to share his experience and expertise with others, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Source:Ayisah Foster||Punch Newspaper
