The running mate race: Meet the two former Education Ministers aiming to become Vice President

As Ghana gears up for the 2024 presidential elections, the two leading political parties in the country a setting a unique contest between two former Ministers of Education.

On one side, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has nominated Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, a seasoned academic and the first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university in Ghana.

Her tenure as Education Minister under the John Mahama administration was marked by significant reforms in the sector, including the conversion of polytechnics to technical universities and the implementation of progressive policies aimed at improving educational standards and access.

On the other side, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to nominate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, known for his role in the introduction of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, which has been a flagship programme of the current government.

His efforts have been focused on increasing enrollment and reducing the financial burden on Ghanaian families, a move that has reshaped the educational landscape of the nation.

A true academic, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has for her entire life been within the education sector rising from a lecturer to vice chancellor position before serving as minister.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh is a trained medical doctor who diverted into career politics serving as Member of Parliament for Manhyia South since 2017.

He served as education minister in the first term of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, spearheading the introduction and implementation of the government’s flagship Free SHS policy.

Both candidates bring to the table a wealth of experience in educational governance, with their respective visions and policies having left indelible marks on the sector. Their nominations are not just a testament to their expertise but also highlight the importance of education as a pivotal issue in the upcoming elections.

The education sector in Ghana constitutes a major electoral constituency with teachers making up a big percentage of the country’s labour force in addition eligible student voters.

As they prepare to face off on December 7, the electorate will be keenly observing the promises and proposals these former ministers will put forth, hoping to choose a leadership that will continue to foster growth, innovation, and inclusivity in Ghana's education system.

With both candidates having served as the head of the Ministry of Education, their track records and future plans will be under intense scrutiny as they campaign to win the hearts and votes of Ghanaians.

As the countdown to election day begins, all eyes will be on Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, two formidable contenders with a shared history of shaping Ghana's educational policies, now vying for the second-highest office in the land.

The stage is set for a historic electoral battle that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the future of education in Ghana.

GA/SARA

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