Accra, Ghana — Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Minister of Energy/ education and two-term Member of Parliament, has returned to Harvard’s Ministerial Leadership Program as a member of the faculty.
Dr. Prempeh first participated in the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program in 2017, soon after his appointment as Ghana’s Minister of Education. His tenure as Education Minister spanned from 2017 to 2021.
In recognition of his role in Ghana’s education reforms—especially his leadership during the rollout of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy—Dr. Prempeh was awarded the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program’s Medal of Achievement in 2020. Because of travel and pandemic restrictions, the award was given virtually, but this year he received it in person during the program’s forum.
As faculty, Dr. Prempeh delivered a presentation on Ghana’s Free SHS program, using it as a case study to illustrate how bold policy rooted in equity and access can shape a nation’s future. He reflected on the reforms he oversaw while at the Ministry of Education, including expanding access, reducing barriers to secondary education, and opening new opportunities for young Ghanaians.
Under his leadership, the Free SHS policy covered 41 cost items, such as tuition, meals, textbooks, and boarding, to ease financial burdens on students and families. He has noted that in the first year of implementation, dropout rates in southern Ghana declined toward levels comparable with the north, and over 100,000 additional students — who otherwise might have been excluded — were enrolled in secondary schools.
In his remarks, Dr. Prempeh credited Harvard’s program with helping him understand stakeholder mapping, delivery units, and strategy execution — tools he used in translating policy into practice.
Dr. Prempeh concluded by reflecting on the legacy of his work in education:
“Expanding access, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to a new generation of Ghanaians is a legacy of service that continues to inspire.” He signed off his message with the hashtags #WithOurOwnHands, #MOPSpeaks, #HopeForGhana, and #EducationForAll.
