UEW gives ‘honorary doctorate’ to NAPO for successfully implementing Free SHS

The Minister of Energy Hon Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has been honoured with a Doctorate Degree for spearheading the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) social intervention programme.

The University of Education, Winneba, conferred the enviable award on Napo, as he is affectionately called, for the leadership that he exhibited as Education Minister, leading to the successful introduction of the policy.

In a citation that preceded the presentation of the award which was held at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Napo was described by the university “as a bold, outstanding, intelligent and a visionary leader, who worked to positively change the education sector”.

According to the university, the Free SHS policy had not been practiced in the country before, but Napo through hard work and commitment to duty, in 2017 successfully implemented the laudable policy in the country.

Napo was also praised for bringing total reforms in the area of Curriculum Review, Teacher Education, Licensure Programme, Capitation Grant, Teacher Pathways and GALOP, during his tenure as Education Minister.

The citation also highlighted other reforms Napo brought to the sector such as Teacher Promotion, Teacher Selection, Retention and Incentives and Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET).

President Akufo-Addo in a speech read on his behalf by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, described Napo as “an illustrious son of mother Ghana, who has over the years played significant roles to help bring the country to its present enviable status.”

“I have known and worked with an outstanding son of our country for some time now and deserve the award,” he added.

According to the President, Napo has played pivotal roles, which by far ensured the success story of his government.

Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni, Vice Chancellor of the university, said Napo has diligently served the country so the honorary doctorate degree was to let him know the country appreciates his splendid works.

Chairman of the University Council, Prof. Obeng Mireku, lauded Napo for his exemplary leadership, professionalism, patience and commitment to duty, which has led to the Free SHS programme to boost education.

Napo in his acceptance speech said he was humbled for being honoured by such a top university and said the honour should rather go to President Akufo-Addo, for giving him the chance to serve in his government.

Top chiefs from Asanteman including Oheneba Owusu Afriyie VI, Otumfuo’s Apagyahene, Baffuor Agyei Fosu Twitwiakwa II and Nana Agyekum Kusi II, Oyokohene of Kumasi, were there to support Napo, who is their son.

Also present at the ceremony to support the Energy Minister to help make the programme memorable included the Anantahene, Barimma Sei Kwadwo II, Mamensinhene and Baffuor Yaw Boateng, Dominasehene and Ing. Nana Poku Agyeman, Kumasi Roads Director.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah