GUPS Energy Minister Leadership Handing-over

The Ghana Union Professional Students (GUPS’) Excellence Awards and Handing Over Ceremony, held at the British Council, saw the presence of the Minister for Energy, Hon. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, who graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honor.

Distinguished attendees included the Deputy Minister of Energy, Hon. Herbert Kpapa, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, and Samuel Kwadwo Frimpong, Technical Economic Advisor at the office of the vice president.

Addressing the audience, Hon. Mathew Opoku Prempeh underscored the transformative journey from ordinary individuals to leaders. He questioned the essence of leadership, whether it lies in seeking authority or assuming positions of responsibility, emphasizing the importance of contributing through distinctive abilities.

“Leadership is not a mere title; it is about actions, commitment, and the utilization of abilities. When at the table for excellence, it’s not just about accolades but the commitment and service you bring,” stated the Minister, urging the audience to recognize that leadership is earned through dedicated service, not entitlement.

Drawing inspiration from the story of David, the Minister highlighted the significance of understanding one’s imperfections and seeking a moral compass. He emphasized that true leadership requires selflessness and a commitment to serve, going beyond personal gains.

“To the new leaders assuming office, leadership is earned through selfless service and a commitment to make a positive impact. Let’s strive to be leaders who, like David, understand the essence of selflessness in service,” concluded Hon. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, inspiring the audience to wield the power of leadership through genuine service.

Her Excellency Emily Jemima Nyarko, the outgoing president of the Ghana Union of Professional Students(GUPS), took center stage at the 22nd Handing Over and Excellence Awards Ceremony, held in grandeur at the British Council.

The distinguished event, graced by representatives from over 240 tertiary schools, celebrated the remarkable contributions of notable figures, including special guests Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister for Energy, and Rev. Dr. Lawrence Teteh, President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh clinched the titles of Outstanding Personality of the Year and Distinguished Politician of the Year, while Dr. Teteh received the honor of Distinguished Religious Leader of the Year.

In their heartfelt speeches, both awardees praised the exceptional leadership skills of outgoing President Emily Jemima Nyarko, acknowledging her spirit of tenacity, daring, and refusal to accept defeat—qualities rarely found in student leaders, particularly female ones.

Miss Nyarko, in her address, highlighted the remarkable achievements of her administration. Despite confronting a challenging global economic crisis, the union flourished, completing an ultramodern office, contributing to member institutions, launching an official website, the first national student application, and numerous capacity-building programs. Notably, she secured scholarship slots for students pursuing master’s and PhDs, both locally and internationally.

In an exclusive interview with MyNewsRoomGh, Miss Nyarko emphasized, “As a result of my exceptional accomplishments, the union schools have bestowed upon me more than 20 awards of honor during my leadership administration.” She seized the opportunity to encourage the newly sworn-in national executives to exert concerted efforts in addressing the demands and concerns of ordinary Ghanaian students.