Napo Shines At Vetting

ENERGY MINISTER Designate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, put up an impressive performance which met the expectations of most people when he took his turn at the the Appointments Committee in Parliament last Friday, February 12.

Nicknamed as ‘Napo’, he displayed academic prowess and deep understanding on current matters pertaining at the energy ministry during the two hours that the vetting lasted.

Napo, who looked very confident and calm as usual, affably provided answers to the questions that were posed to him, especially regarding how to improve the ministry he would be heading if he is approved.

For instance, he displayed that he has what it takes to turn the fortunes of the various agencies under his ministry including GNPC, TOR, BOST and ECG, among others, around.

Napo, it would be recalled, made a name for himself by successfully implementing the free Senior High School (SHS) policy when he was the Education Minister for four years.

Significantly, from the perfect manner at which he provided answers to the questions posed to him, it was a strong indication that he would succeed in the energy ministry when cleared.

Napo, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, clearly outlined his vision, which to him, when implemented, would make the energy ministry the envy for all.

Vision For Energy Ministry

He said when cleared to serve as the energy minister, he would implement mechanisms and policies, thereby leading to ‘Affordable Universal Power for all Ghanaians’ to benefit.

According to him, communities without access to electricity in the country would also receive his utmost attention, indicating that electricity would be extended to the remote areas.

He also said his administration would work to ensure transparency when accounting for oil revenue, stressing that there wouldn’t be any room for oil revenue to go down the drain.

Napo said privatization of the ECG was a good idea but he was quick to point out that any private participation in the ECG should be done such a manner that would benefit the country.

He also stressed the need TOR to be given the needed renaissance in order for it to function as expected, adding that he would also push for effective local content in the energy sector.

The Energy Minister designate said areas such as street lightening and natural gas as well as all the other agencies under his new ministry, would be given the needed support to thrive.