The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has named a newly built hostel after Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Running Mate for the 2024 elections, to honor his significant contributions to education in Ghana.
The naming ceremony, held on the university’s campus, celebrated Dr. Prempeh’s visionary leadership during his tenure as Minister for Education. His efforts in advancing educational policies and supporting infrastructure development in tertiary institutions were highlighted throughout the event.
Dr. Kofi Ohene Konadu, Chairman of the UPSA University Council, praised Dr. Prempeh for his instrumental role in securing funding for the construction of the state-of-the-art facility, now named the “Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh Hostel.”
“Dr. Prempeh’s tenure as Minister for Education was marked by an unwavering commitment to expanding access to education and improving infrastructure. This hostel is a lasting symbol of his dedication to the advancement of tertiary education in Ghana,” Dr. Konadu stated.
The newly constructed hostel, which will accommodate over 5,000 students, is expected to alleviate accommodation challenges on campus while fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence.
Dr. Konadu emphasized the importance of strong leadership in achieving such milestones. “Dr. Prempeh’s support for this project went beyond funding; he ensured that universities like UPSA could meet the growing demand for quality education,” he added.
Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, Vice Chancellor of UPSA, echoed this sentiment, lauding Dr. Prempeh’s lasting impact on Ghana’s education system. “Dr. Prempeh’s leadership in education has been transformative, from the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy to the enhancement of infrastructure in institutions like UPSA. Naming this hostel after him is our way of honoring his contributions,” said Professor Amartey.
This recognition follows UPSA’s earlier conferral of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Dr. Prempeh in July 2021, which acknowledged his exceptional leadership in advancing education in Ghana. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Prempeh expressed deep gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the growth of educational institutions like UPSA.
“This honor is not just for me, but for all who believe in the transformative power of education. I remain committed to supporting the development of institutions that play a vital role in our national progress,” he said.
The naming of the hostel reinforces UPSA’s recognition of Dr. Prempeh’s immense contributions and highlights the university’s dedication to celebrating leaders who champion the cause of education. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, faculty, students, and representatives from various educational bodies, marked a significant milestone in the university’s history.
