The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has initiated an inquiry into Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who is the 2024 running mate for the opposing party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He has had discreet meetings with the organization's investigators several times, avoiding the political spectacle and media frenzy seen during comparable invitations extended to his political allies.
Reports suggest that the investigation focuses on procurement decisions and contracts, including a $60 million agreement for mathematical kits granted in 2019 by the Ministry of Education for distribution among Senior High School students throughout Ghana.
The local representative of Cornfield Group Ltd, recognized as an entity linked to Sarah Mary Olufemi Adetola—known as Femi, who happens to be the spouse of the ex-Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante—was Bluegrass Group Ltd. This firm had been assigned the responsibility of obtaining the Kapek Scientific Mathematical Instrument (SMI).
The head of the firm allegedly diverted funds meant for payments from the government, which resulted in his apprehension by the NIB during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure; however, he faced neither charges nor a trial for criminal proceedings.
The exclusive contract awarded by the Akufo-Addo administration to Bluegrass Group Ltd was set for a duration of five years and had an annual value of $12 million.
The initial shipment arrived when Dr. Opoku Prempeh served as the Minister of Education from 2017 to 2021.
The company Bluegrass Group Ltd, headed by Kwadwo Darko-Mensah known as "Onassis," secured a deal to deliver 853,009 math set units each year. The agreement specified a price of GH¢75 for every unit, amounting to an annual sum of GH¢63,975,675 throughout the duration of the contract.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, widely recognized as NAPO, has already accepted two invites to aid in the current investigation.
On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, during a press interaction in Accra, Dr. Opoku Prempeh verified the news, saying:
As we converse, the NIB has extended an invitation to me on two separate instances to address certain queries related to my tenure as Education Minister—matters I can scarcely recall. However, the documentation exists to substantiate these events.
Recently, several ex-government employees have faced increased examination as various governmental bodies have started investigations into how the prior NPP administration managed public finances and acquisition procedures.
In another case, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is looking into Bernard Antwi Boasiako, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman for the NPP party under the nickname "Chairman Wontumi." The investigation revolves around suspected acts of money laundering, causing fiscal harm to the government, improper management at COCOBOD roads, illicit mining activities, and various instances of corruption.
President John Mahama has revealed that the Attorney General is presently developing 33 cases for prosecution as part of the efforts undertaken by the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Task Force. This specialized unit was established with the aim of tracking down and reclaiming public monies misappropriated due to corrupt practices.
In the meantime, Dr. Opoku Prempeh has encouraged those holding political offices to maintain accountability, highlighting the significance of transparency and duty in public service.
During an interview, he stated that the NIB had extended an invitation for him to talk about issues related to his time at the Education Ministry. He characterized this procedure as typical and essential within the realm of public service.
He noted that anyone volunteering to serve must be ready to justify their conduct while in office.
He highlighted the crucial part that accountability plays in leadership and urged public servants to embrace responsibility whenever necessary, underscoring their obligation to serve the people.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh further stated that public service ought not to be seen as an everlasting privilege but instead as a fleeting duty accompanied by repercussions and responsibilities.
He mentioned that it wasn’t uncommon for state agencies to call upon ex-officials to explain choices they had made while in office. He also warned against turning these requests into politically charged spectacles or hype-filled media events.
"This isn't the first instance of someone being required to elucidate their management, and undoubtedly, it won't be the final one. Receiving such a call doesn't imply guilt," he asserted.
As he sees it, this level of examination is an inevitable result of taking up positions of authority within the public sector.
The ex-MP for Manhyia South urged his colleagues in politics and public service to uphold honesty while serving and to consistently get ready to address questions from the public. This approach would help enhance people’s confidence in how the government operates.
In September 2019, the Ministry of Education commissioned Bluegrass Group Ltd to provide the officially endorsed Kapek Scientific Mathematical Instrument for utilization by senior high school students during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Kapek SMI brings together a scientific calculator and a comprehensive math toolset within a clear plastic casing. Tailored specifically for WAEC, this non-programmable device features more than 400 fundamental mathematical operations, equations, and notations designed to enable swift and precise calculations.
The contract was awarded directly to Bluegrass Group Ltd., as they were the lone certified entity in Ghana authorized to provide the WAEC-approved Scientific Mathematical Sets—a mandatory requirement for students taking the WASSCE.
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