UCC confers Honorary Doctorate on Dr Opoku Prempeh

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has awarded the Degree of Doctor of Educational Leadership (DEL) Honoris Causa to Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Minister of Energy at a Special Congregation held at the New Examination Centre of the University on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, was honoured for his visionary leadership in transformative education, his role in the implemtation of the landmark Free Senior High School Education, as well as his exceptional interventions towards the establishment of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) at the University of Cape Coast into UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence for West Africa.

Some traditional rulers, politicians, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps , as well as the general public graced the well-attended Special Congregation.
Modest achievements
Acknowledging the award, Dr. Opoku Prempeh said the achievements that culminated in the award were modest contributions he made during his time as Minister of Education.

“Whilst I owe this conferment and the earlier ones from the University of Education, Winneba and the University of Professional Studies, Accra to the almighty God, who has been my source of strength as a public servant, I am thankful to the Governing Council of the University of Cape Coast for this wonderful honour done me. I accept it in humility and with a gladdened heart and will forever cherish it.

“I also remain incredibly grateful to His Excellency President Akufo-Addo for the opportunity to serve and to make a difference in our country’s education space. I pay tribute to the dynamic team I worked with at the Ministry of Education as well as the various sector agencies. Their hard work and commitment ensured that we achieved most of our goals,” he said.

He added:”Again, I am sincerely grateful to seasoned icons in education such as Prof. Anamuah-Mensah, Prof. Fobi and Mr. Michael Nsowah for their counsel and guidance during my tenure.”
The Minister shared in the words of Condoleeza Rice, “There is no greater challenge and there is no greater honour than to be in public service”, I will continue to do my very best in my current role to actualize the vision of the President in bringing the needed progress and prosperity for our people.”

Other awardees
Other personalities who also received Honorary Doctorate Degrees included Dr. Deborah Rose, the President of Helping Africa Foundation (HAF); Rev. Prof. Harold Stewart Amonoo-Kuofi, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Cape Coast Technical University; Dr Kofi Kodua Sarpong, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC); Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, the Paramount Chief of Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Area in the Central Region; Dr. Yaw Adu-Agyei Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of Danpong Healthcare Group, and Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah , a Ghanaian-American President of Millersville University of Pennsylvania, USA.