Minister for Energy and running mate to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has said that his rise in politics is not driven by personal ambition but by a deep-seated sense of responsibility instilled in him from an early age.
Popularly known as NAPO, Dr. Opoku Prempeh described his political journey as one anchored in public service and shaped by values he inherited from his family and community. Speaking at a recent engagement with party supporters and youth groups, the Energy Minister said his decision to enter politics was not motivated by the pursuit of power, but by a desire to serve and make meaningful change.
“Leadership, for me, is not a position to be chased but a responsibility to be fulfilled,” he stated. “From childhood, I was raised to believe that if you have the ability to help improve people’s lives, you have a duty to step forward.”
Dr. Prempeh, who has served as Member of Parliament for Manhyia South since 2009 and held portfolios including Minister of Education, emphasized that every stage of his career has been guided by service rather than self-interest. He credited his upbringing, medical training, and grassroots experience for grounding him in humility and purpose.
His selection as running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the 2024 general elections has placed him at the center of national attention. As the NPP prepares to contest for a third consecutive term, NAPO’s record in public service and connection to the party’s base are seen as key assets.
Political analysts have noted that his remarks seek to counter perceptions of personal ambition in a time when voters are increasingly critical of political motives. For many supporters, NAPO’s narrative of duty over ambition resonates with a broader call for authentic and accountable leadership.
With the campaign season intensifying, Dr. Prempeh says he remains committed to the values that brought him into public life duty, integrity, and service to Ghana.
“This is not just about politics. It’s about purpose,” he concluded.
Dr. Prempeh’s comments add to a growing effort by the NPP to present a leadership team that blends technocratic expertise with grounded, people-centered values as the country heads toward a decisive election.
