The running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has reaffirmed plans of the next government to rename the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Addressing a small gathering of traditional leaders during one of his campaign tours in the Ashanti Region, NAPO, as he is affectionately called, stated that if they are given the mandate to serve Ghanaians, they will rename UPSA to Opoku-Ampomah University of Professional Studies.
Nana Opoku-Ampomah is the Paramount Chief of Amoafo-Bekwai in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and the Founder and First Director of the Institute of Professional Studies, now known as the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
According to him, the current Education Minister was tasked by President Akufo-Addo to submit the proposal to Parliament for approval, but this has not yet occurred due to some delays.
“…About two and a half months ago, I was in cabinet when President Akufo-Addo queried the new Education minister why they are yet to rename state universities after Opoku-Ampomah, Ephraim Amo and Paa Grant despite successfully renaming institutions after S.B. Dombo, Appiah Minkah among others. He tasked him to send the bill to parliament for it to be approved but has yet to submit it,” he said.
NAPO further argued that several institutions built using state funds have been renamed to honor key personalities, so there shouldn’t be an issue with renaming UPSA to Opoku-Ampomah, who used his personal funds to construct the school.
He therefore called for the blessings and prayers of the traditional leaders to help them secure a victory in the upcoming December polls.
“All these universities were built using state monies but UPSA was personally built by Nana Opoku-Ampomah so it is not just a promise but if by the prayers, blessing and directions of the chiefs we [NPP] are able to win the election, we will surely rename UPSA to become Opoku-Ampomah University of Professional Studies. Unless maybe we don’t come to power, we will continue to speak the truth because you can’t claim ownership of someone’s property….” NAPO assured.
