Matthew Opoku Prempeh returns to Harvard

Former Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, widely known as NAPO, has rejoined Harvard University as a faculty member for the prestigious Harvard Ministerial Leadership Programme.

Dr. Prempeh, who served as Ghana’s Minister of Education from 2017 to 2021, will share his expertise and experience in implementing transformative education policies, particularly Ghana’s landmark Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative — one of the defining achievements of President Akufo-Addo’s administration.

Introduced in 2017, the Free SHS policy revolutionised Ghana’s education system by removing financial barriers and covering 41 essential costs, including tuition, meals, textbooks, and boarding. The initiative expanded access to secondary education for thousands of students nationwide.

Dr. Prempeh’s association with the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Programme dates back to 2017 when he first joined as part of a global cohort of education ministers. His exceptional leadership in advancing education reform later earned him the Harvard Ministerial Medal of Achievement in 2020 — an award he formally received in person this year.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Prempeh credited the programme for equipping him with vital tools and insights to deliver effectively as Minister of Education. “The programme gave me the knowledge and skills to execute my responsibilities successfully,” he noted.

He also highlighted the far-reaching impact of the Free SHS policy, pointing to major strides in access, retention, and learning outcomes across Ghana.

According to him, over 100,000 additional students are now enrolled in secondary schools each year, dropout rates have significantly declined, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds now have greater access to quality education.

Reaffirming his dedication to advancing education, Dr. Prempeh said, “Expanding access, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to a new generation of Ghanaians is a legacy of service that continues to inspire me.”

The Harvard Ministerial Leadership Programme serves as a global hub for current and former government leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen governance and policy delivery in their home countries.