'Africa remains rich in promise; our task is to ensure that promise matures into achievement' — NAPO

Former Manhyia South MP and the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2024 vice presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, says Africa must move beyond potential and focus on building systems that deliver lasting results.

Reflecting on the recently concluded FIFA World Cup in a social media post on Monday, July 27, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, said the early exit of all African teams should serve as a lesson that talent alone is not enough to achieve success.

He argued that while African countries continue to demonstrate quality, ambition and confidence on the global stage, the continent must strengthen its institutions and embrace discipline, preparation and consistency to translate promise into achievement.

"Across our continent, we often have the talent, the resources, the population, and the potential to compete with the very best. What too often lets us down is the difficult journey from promise to sustained performance, from moments of brilliance to systems of consistency, from potential to delivery," he said.

The former lawmaker added, "Africa remains rich in promise. Our task is to ensure that promise matures into achievement."

Making comparison between football and national development, the former Energy Minister said success in both fields depends on more than natural ability, stressing that sustained investment, sound structures and mental resilience are critical to long-term progress.

He said the lessons from the tournament should inspire African countries to improve governance, strengthen their economies and build institutions capable of delivering meaningful results rather than moments of excellence.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh further urged Africans not to view the World Cup outcome with despair but rather as motivation to build patiently, organise effectively and convert the continent's immense potential into enduring success.