Accra: Former Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has emphasized the importance of prioritizing people, institutions, and leadership in Africa's pursuit of sustainable nuclear energy programs. Dr Opoku Prempeh delivered this message as he addressed attendees on the second day of the U.S.-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit 2026, held on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The event centered around the theme, 'Leadership Beyond the Build: Sustaining Institutions for Generations.'
According to Ghana Web, Dr Opoku Prempeh urged African countries to look beyond the mere construction of nuclear infrastructure and focus on developing the human capital and institutional frameworks necessary to sustain these programs for future generations. He highlighted that Africa's success in nuclear energy would rely not only on technological advancements and infrastructure but also on the leadership and institutions established to advance and manage the sector.
Dr Opoku Prempeh stressed the critical need to cultivate skilled professionals, strengthen institutions, and foster responsible leadership. He noted, "The most enduring infrastructure a nation can build is its people," underscoring the importance of ensuring that the knowledge and institutional systems developed today are preserved and passed on to future generations.
His address was part of broader discussions at the summit, which focused on Africa's nuclear-energy future, energy security, skills development, and the institutional leadership required to meet the continent's long-term energy needs. Dr Opoku Prempeh also called on African nations to take ownership of their nuclear-energy ambitions, emphasizing the need to develop the capacity to manage these programs with their own resources.
Reiterating his belief in the potential for success, Dr Opoku Prempeh expressed confidence that with the right leadership, institutions, and investment in human capital, Africa can develop and sustain a nuclear-energy industry that significantly contributes to energy security and development.