The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has named a newly constructed hostel after Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) running mate for the 2024 elections.
This was in recognition of his significant contributions to education in Ghana.
The “Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh Hostel,” which is set to accommodate over 5,000 students, is expected to address accommodation challenges at the university and provide an improved environment for academic achievement.
At a ceremony held on the university’s campus, Dr. Prempeh was celebrated for his visionary leadership as the former Minister for Education, particularly for his pivotal role in securing funding and facilitating the construction of this state-of-the-art facility.
Dr. Kofi Ohene Konadu, Chairman of the UPSA University Council, highlighted Dr. Prempeh’s instrumental efforts in the realization of the hostel, emphasizing the positive impact his leadership has had on infrastructure development in Ghana’s tertiary education sector.
“Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s tenure as Minister for Education was marked by a relentless commitment to expanding access to education and creating an enabling environment for learning,” he said.
Dr. Konadu noted that the hostel reflected Dr. Prempeh’s commitment to advancing infrastructure in tertiary education.
“Your support for this project was not just about funding but ensuring that tertiary institutions like UPSA could meet the growing demand for quality education,” he added.
Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, Vice Chancellor of UPSA, stated that Dr. Prempeh’s influence on Ghana’s education system was lasting, noting that from the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy to the improvement of infrastructure like the new hostel, his leadership continued to make a profound impact on transforming lives.
“Naming this hostel after him is our way of immortalizing his contributions,” he said.
This honour follows UPSA’s award of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Dr. Prempeh in July 2021, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing education in Ghana.
Dr. Prempeh expressed gratitude to UPSA for the continued recognition of his contributions.
“This honour is not just mine but for all who believe in the power of education to transform lives, and I remain committed to supporting the growth of institutions such as UPSA, which are pivotal to our national development,” he stated.
The ceremony was attended by members of the academic community, faculty, students, and representatives from various educational organizations, among others.
