The spokesperson for Energy Minister Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh (Napo), Kofi Abrefa Afena, has stated that he has been made aware of a newspaper publication in today's Daily Guide Newspaper with the headline "Napo Celebrates Birthday in Monaco" that is obviously malicious.
In a statement, he said that "among other stupid assertions, the newspaper claims that the Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South flew a certain fictitious private Jet to celebrate his birthday.
The article, which regrettably received front-page attention as part of a deliberate plan, is obviously an ill-fated attempt to tarnish the Minister's reputation and portray him as showy in the eyes of rational Ghanaians.
To this complete fiction, I would like to react as follows: 1. On May 23, 2023, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh's 55th birthday, he was in Ghana and attended a meeting of the Economic Management Team (EMT).
2. On May 23, Dr. Prempeh also attended a board meeting of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)'s governing board.
"3. I was in Dr. Prempeh's home early on May 24, the day after his birthday, at his request, when he taped a thank-you note to his well-wishers for their support during his birthday celebration.
4. He worked at his office for the remainder of the 24th day, performing his regular work tasks.
"5. Dr. Prempeh traveled overseas on KLM to Athens for a brief vacation after obtaining the required authorisation from the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President. There is undeniable proof to support this.
6. The occurrences described above can be verified. Anyone who knows Dr. Prempeh well will attest to the fact that he does not celebrate his birthday with fanfare or glitz, preferring instead to spend those days alone and sober in thanksgiving to the Almighty God for his mercy and mercies. This year's events were no different.
The attempt to maintain the highest interest of the Republic of Ghana by certain cowardly forces who feel threatened by the very personality of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, visible in his adherence to propriety and stated principle, and who strive to court hatred and disaffection for him, has failed miserably. It is merely regrettable that the Daily Guide would use such a shabby method of reporting.
It is vital to note that the Energy Minister is fully aware of the machinations of his opponents, particularly in the days to come, but that he is still committed to realizing the President's vision for the energy sector.
Please disregard this publication in whole for the general public.