Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a former Minister of Education, has called on political office holders to uphold the principle of accountability, stressing the need for transparency and responsibility in public service.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as “Napo,” made the remarks in an interview following confirmation that the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) had invited him to respond to issues related to his stewardship during his time at the Education Ministry.

He described the invitation as a normal and necessary part of public service, saying anyone who offered themselves to serve must be prepared to account for their actions in office.

He emphasised the integral role accountability played in leadership, urging public servants to avail themselves to account when the need arose, and bear in mind their responsibility to the people.

Dr Opoku Prempeh, the running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, in the 2024 presidential election, noted that serving in public office should not be seen as a permanent privilege, but a temporary responsibility that came with consequences and obligations.

He said it was not unusual for state agencies to invite former office holders to clarify decisions or activities during their tenure, and such processes should not be politicised or sensationalised.

“This is not the first time someone has been asked to explain their stewardship, and it certainly won’t be the last. Being called does not mean you are guilty,” Dr Opoku Prempeh noted.

Those, he said, were natural outcomes of taking up leadership roles in the public sector.

The former Member of Parliament for Manhyia South encouraged his fellow politicians and public officials to maintain integrity while in office and to be ever ready to give account when called upon, in order to strengthen public trust in governance.