Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Paramount Chief of the Abuakwa Traditional Council, has praised the contribution of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) vice presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, that led to the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School policy which has achieved international recognition.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin applauded Dr. Opoku Prempeh popularly called Napo, who was the Education Minister at the time of implementation, for the courage with which he responded to President Akufo Addo’s call to implement the Free SHS policy.
Okyehene added that Dr. Opoku Prempeh and the NPP have good plans for the country and that even though chiefs are not allowed to do partisan politics, he will always support the candidate who is doing a good thing.
The Okyenhene made these remarks during a courtesy call on him by the NPP running mate at the Okyeman’s Palace at Kyebi in the Abuakwa South constituency in the Eastern Region.
The visit was to seek the permission of the paramount chief to undertake his campaign activities in the area.
He said that as Minister of Education, Napo, against all odds, was able to introduce the free Senior High School (SHS) social intervention policy, which has increased enrolment in schools.
According to him, it’s only through proper education that countries could develop and become prosperous, stressing that, indeed, Napo deserves to be commended.
The Okyenhene further emphasised the necessity for Ghanaians to take ownership of their resources and contribute to national development. He called on citizens to be actively involved in the country’s progress, ensuring a collective effort towards sustainable growth.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his part explained that he could not have entered Okyeman to deliver Dr. Bawumia’s message without first paying respects to the Okyenhene.
He recounted how the President discussed the Free SHS policy with him during the election petition, and that if the party had come to power in 2012, the policy would have started, despite the fact that many, including some NPP leaders, doubted its feasibility.
He was confident that his engagement with the people of Abuakwa South and Fanteakwa North would have a significant impact on the electoral fortunes of the New Patriotic Party.
