Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh resigns as Energy minister

The Minister for energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has tendered his resignation.

According to a statement dated Thursday, July 11, 2024, and signed by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, his resignation, which will take effect from July 18, 2024, has been accepted by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

"The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has today, Thursday, 11th July 2024, accepted the resignation from office of Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, as minister for Energy, effective from 18th July 2024. This decision has been made to enable Dr. Opoku Prempeh to focus on his new role as the Vice-Presidential Candidate and Running Mate to the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

"President Akufo-Addo has expressed his deep gratitude to Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his dedicated service to the government and the people of Ghana. His tenure as Minister for Education and as Minister for Energy has been marked by a stellar record of accomplishments and significant contributions to the education and energy sectors," the statement said.

The statement added that the president, in light of the development, has tasked the minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, to exercise cabinet oversight over the Energy Ministry, while the Minister of State designate at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations at the ministry.

"In light of Dr. Opoku Prempeh's resignation, President Akufo-Addo has asked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo, to exercise Cabinet oversight responsibility over the Ministry of Energy. Additionally, the Minister of State designate at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the ministry. The President has asked the two individuals to liaise closely with Dr. Opoku Prempeh to ensure a smooth transition in the affairs of the Ministry.

"The President extends his best wishes and God's blessings to Dr. Opoku Prempeh in his new role and is confident that he will continue to serve the party and the nation with distinction," the statement concluded.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as 'NAPO,' was recently nominated by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling NPP, as his running mate, a choice which received the unanimous endorsement of the party's National Executive Council.

His official unveiling by the party was held in Kumasi on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

GA