“I Was Raised in a Politically Aware Family with Public Service at Its Core” – NAPO

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, widely known as NAPO, has revealed that his passion for politics and public service was nurtured from childhood through a deeply political upbringing rooted in duty, not ambition.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Personality Profile with Emefa Adeti on July 17, the Manhyia South MP and running mate to the NPP flagbearer opened up about the values that shaped his journey into leadership.

“I was brought up in a very politically aware family with a history of decades of partisan politics or active political life,” he said.

NAPO shared that his family instilled in him the expectation to sit and contribute at the decision-making table, not merely follow the decisions of others.

“I was brought up to cherish one thing: public service. Not just participation, but participation with impact,” he emphasized.

He added that growing up in a household filled with elder relatives — including grand uncles whose children were far older than him — gave him early exposure to leadership and service.

“I served all of them, and that’s how I was brought up,” he noted, describing a life steeped in values, discipline, and the readiness to lead.

NAPO recalled engaging in community service organizations from a young age — including the Boy Scouts, Red Cross Society, and roles as an altar boy — all of which prepared him for a life centered on giving back.

“So me growing up, public service has been a duty imprinted in my heart, mind, and everything I do.”

Drawing a line between his early career as a medical doctor and his current role in politics, he acknowledged the deeply personal impact of medicine but highlighted the broader influence politics allows.

“As a doctor, you serve one person at a time. But in politics, you make decisions that can transform the lives of many — maybe forever.”

To NAPO, public service is not about the size of the act, but the depth of its impact, whether it’s relieving the pain of a patient or crafting policy for a nation.

His reflections signal not only a personal narrative of growth and purpose, but also a reaffirmation of his commitment to leadership grounded in integrity, service, and transformational change.