NAPO is innovative Minister of the decade

THE MINISTER of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, known in political circles as ‘Napo’, is rapidly becoming synonymous with the receiving of top awards.

Over the weekend, the two times Ghana’s Best Minister recipient, took home two prestigious awards from two different reputable institutions in the country.

The Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS), on Friday, presented ‘The Most Innovative Minister of the Decade’ award to Napo at an event in Accra.

Napo also received the ‘Educational Icon of Ashanti’ award, presented to him at the maiden Ashanti APEC Excellence Awards, held in Kumasi on Saturday.

The two significant awards were separately given to Napo for his roles in national transformation and the introduction of free Senior High School (SHS) programme.

Speaking after picking the ‘Most Innovative Minister of the Decade’ award, Napo said his vision is to make a positive impact in the lives of the people that he serves.

According to him, the award was an indication that he was on the right path, with regards to his vision, stressing that he will continually work to the benefit of the entire country.

Meanwhile, the citation presented to Napo for winning the ‘Educational Icon of Ashanti’ award, praised him (Napo) for his vision and efforts to promote quality education.

APEC, which is the Association of Past Executives and Coordinators of the Ashanti Regional Students Representative Council (SRC) said Napo is a visionary.

According to the group, the free SHS policy, from onset, looked impossible, but Napo through his hard work, competence and determination has made it possible.

Napo described the youth as the greatest asset of any country, and so he called for concerted efforts so that the youth would have a “better and prosperous future”.

The Energy Minister said the youth are the future leaders of the country therefore the country should implement policies and programmes that would better their lives.

Napo, who is also the MP for Manhyia South Constituency, urged the youth to dedicate their time and energy to acquire knowledge now so their future would be bright.

He also warned the youth to stay away from acts such as jealousy and all other social vices, adding that people should live their lives to benefit the entire mankind.

“Being successful is not enough, but being significant in the lives of other people is the most important achievement in life”, the Energy Minister emphasized.

Napo commended the organizers of the two awards for honouring him, promising that the awards would spur him on to sustain his extraordinary works for the state.

Accompanying Napo to receive the two awards were his mother, his siblings, friends and Manhyia South NPP executives as well as some staff of the Energy Ministry.