Former Education and Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is set to deliver a public lecture at Coventry University in the United Kingdom on the role of education and energy in Africa’s sustainable development and leadership.
The lecture, scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, will be held under the theme, “Education, Energy and Sustainable Development: Preparing Future Leaders for Africa’s Transformation.”
Dr Prempeh, a former Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, former Minister of Education and former Minister of Energy, will participate as the Special Guest. He was also the 2024 running mate to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general election.
His participation is expected to bring practical policy and governance experience to discussions on two sectors that have a direct bearing on Africa’s development: education and energy.
As Education Minister, Dr Prempeh was involved in policies and reforms aimed at expanding access to education and improving learning outcomes. He later served as Energy Minister, where he was responsible for a sector central to Ghana’s economic activity and industrial development.
The Coventry University lecture is expected to explore how African countries can strengthen their education systems, develop the skills required for a changing economy and secure reliable energy while pursuing sustainable development.
Dr Prempeh will be joined by Prof. Andrew Turner, Vice-Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Coventry University, and Prof. Jenna Ward, Dean of the College of Business and Law.
The presence of senior university officials is expected to give the discussion an academic dimension, particularly around the relationship between education, leadership development, public policy and economic transformation.
Africa’s growing population and expanding economies have placed greater pressure on governments to provide quality education, create employment opportunities and meet rising energy demand. The lecture is therefore expected to consider how investments in human capital and sustainable energy can help prepare the next generation of African leaders.
For Dr Prempeh, the engagement also offers an opportunity to draw on his experience in government, education, energy and national politics while engaging an international academic audience on Africa’s development priorities.
The public lecture will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Square One Bar, The Hub, 4 Jordan Wl, Coventry, CV1 5QT.
