Haruna Iddrisu Biography: Haruna Iddrisu, born on September 8, 1970, in Tamale, Ghana, is a distinguished lawyer and politician affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He has been serving as the Member of Parliament for the Tamale South constituency since January 2005.
Iddrisu began his early education at Kulikuli School in Tamale. He pursued higher education at the University of Ghana from 1993 to 1997, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Sociology. During his time at the university, he was actively involved in student politics and served as the President of the National Union of Ghana Students in his final year. In 2002, he was called to the Ghana Bar, becoming a member of the Ghana Bar Association.
Iddrisu’s political journey commenced with his role as the National Youth Organizer for the NDC in 2002, a position he held for eight years. In the 2004 parliamentary elections, he was elected as the MP for the newly established Tamale South constituency. Throughout his parliamentary tenure, he has held significant roles, including:
- Minister for Communications (February 2009 – February 2013)
- Minister for Trade and Industry (February 2013 – July 2014)
- Minister for Employment and Labour Relations (July 2014 – January 2017)
- Minority Leader in Parliament (January 2017 – January 2023)
In January 2023, he was succeeded by Cassiel Ato Forson as the Minority Leader.
Haruna Iddrisu is married and a father of three children. He practices Islam and hails from the Northern Region of Ghana.
Beyond politics, Iddrisu is passionate about football. He owns Karela United, a club in the Ghana Premier League, and Steadfast FC, a Division One side known for producing talents like Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who secured a move to Leicester City.
Wikipedia
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Haruna Iddrisu |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Sociology, University of Ghana (1993–1997) |
| Legal Qualification | Called to the Ghana Bar in 2002 |
| Political Party | National Democratic Congress (NDC) |
| Current Role | Member of Parliament (Tamale South Constituency) |
| Previous Roles | |
| – National Youth Organizer, NDC (2002–2010) | |
| – Minister for Communications (2009–2013) | |
| – Minister for Trade and Industry (2013–2014) | |
| – Minister for Employment and Labour Relations (2014–2017) | |
| – Minority Leader in Parliament (2017–2023) | |
| Parliamentary Service | Member of Parliament for Tamale South since January 2005 |
| Sports Interests | Owner of Karela United (Ghana Premier League) and Steadfast FC (Division 1) |
| Family | Married with three children |
| Notable Achievement | Former President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) |
| Recent Nomination | Minister of Education (January 2025) |
Early Life
Haruna Iddrisu was born on September 8, 1970, in Tamale, located in the Northern Region of Ghana. He began his education at Kulikuli School in Tamale and later continued to the Tamasco Secondary School for his secondary education.
In 1993, Haruna Iddrisu enrolled at the University of Ghana, where he studied Sociology and graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree. During his time at the university, he was deeply involved in student politics. He served as the President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in his final year, showcasing his leadership potential at an early stage.
In 2002, Haruna Iddrisu was called to the Ghana Bar after completing his legal training, becoming a qualified lawyer and a member of the Ghana Bar Association.
His early life reflects a commitment to education, leadership, and advocacy, which laid the foundation for his successful political career.
Haruna Iddrisu Age
Haruna Iddrisu was born on September 8, 1970, making him 54 years old as of January 21, 2025.
Haruna Iddrisu Wife
Haruna Iddrisu is married to Mary Safua Yeboah, also known as Mary Safua. Together, they have three children. Mary Safua has been actively involved in philanthropic activities, such as donating items to the Tamale Children’s Home. She has also encouraged Haruna Iddrisu to improve his proficiency in speaking Twi.
Haruna Iddrisu Father
There is limited publicly available information about Haruna Iddrisu’s father. Most sources focus on his professional achievements and personal life, including his marriage and children.
Haruna Iddrisu Siblings
Detailed information about his siblings is not widely documented or publicly shared. Most coverage of Haruna Iddrisu highlights his political career, professional achievements, and his immediate family, such as his wife and children.
Educational Background
| Level of Education | Institution | Qualification/Details | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Education | Kulikuli School, Tamale | Completed primary education | – |
| Secondary Education | Tamale Secondary School | Completed secondary education | – |
| Tertiary Education | University of Ghana | Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Sociology | 1993–1997 |
| Professional Legal Training | Ghana School of Law | Called to the Ghana Bar; Member of Ghana Bar Association | 2002 |
Career Path
| Role/Position | Organization/Institution | Duration | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Youth Organizer | National Democratic Congress (NDC) | 2002–2010 | Advocated for youth empowerment within the party. |
| Member of Parliament | Tamale South Constituency | January 2005–Present | Represented the constituency in Ghana’s Parliament. |
| Minister for Communications | Government of Ghana | February 2009–February 2013 | Led initiatives in Ghana’s ICT and telecommunications sectors. |
| Minister for Trade and Industry | Government of Ghana | February 2013–July 2014 | Focused on boosting trade and industrial growth in Ghana. |
| Minister for Employment and Labour Relations | Government of Ghana | July 2014–January 2017 | Worked on policies for employment creation and labor rights. |
| Minority Leader in Parliament | Parliament of Ghana | January 2017–January 2023 | Led the Minority Caucus in parliamentary debates and policymaking. |
| Football Club Owner | Karela United and Steadfast FC | – | Promoted football development and nurtured young talents. |
| Minister of Education (Nominee) | Government of Ghana | January 2025–Present (Nom.) | Proposed to lead Ghana’s education sector reforms. |
Haruna Iddrisu’s Political Career
| Position | Institution | Duration | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Youth Organizer | National Democratic Congress (NDC) | 2002–2010 | Advocated for youth participation in politics and strengthened the youth wing of the NDC. |
| Member of Parliament | Tamale South Constituency | January 2005–Present | Successfully represented his constituency and won consecutive parliamentary elections. |
| Minister for Communications | Government of Ghana | 2009–2013 | Championed the expansion of ICT infrastructure and modernized communication systems in Ghana. |
| Minister for Trade and Industry | Government of Ghana | 2013–2014 | Worked on policies to enhance trade and promote industrialization in the country. |
| Minister for Employment and Labour Relations | Government of Ghana | 2014–2017 | Focused on labor rights, employment creation, and social security reforms. |
| Minority Leader | Parliament of Ghana | 2017–2023 | Led the Minority Caucus, providing critical oversight on government policies and debates. |
| Minister of Education (Nominee) | Government of Ghana | January 2025–Present | Nominated to lead the education sector and oversee reforms to improve quality and access. |
Additional Contributions:
- Advocacy: Known for championing youth empowerment and social development issues.
- Policy Development: Played key roles in formulating policies for ICT, trade, and employment during his ministerial tenures.
Haruna Iddrisu’s political career demonstrates his leadership and commitment to national development across various sectors.
Newly Appointed Minister Of Education
Haruna Iddrisu was nominated as Ghana’s Minister of Education in January 2025. This marks a significant chapter in his political career, as he takes on the responsibility of overseeing Ghana’s education sector.
Key Responsibilities as Minister of Education:
- Education Policy Development: Formulate and implement policies to improve access, quality, and equity in education.
- Curriculum Reforms: Work on modernizing the curriculum to align with global standards and address local needs.
- Infrastructure Development: Ensure the expansion and maintenance of educational facilities across the country.
- Teacher Training and Welfare: Focus on the professional development and welfare of teachers to enhance educational outcomes.
- Digital Transformation in Education: Promote the integration of ICT in schools to modernize teaching and learning.
- As a former Minority Leader in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu was vocal on education-related issues, advocating for better funding and infrastructure in schools.
- His leadership experience in various ministerial roles has equipped him with the skills to manage complex reforms in the education sector.
Haruna Iddrisu’s nomination is seen as a strategic move, with high expectations for him to address key challenges in Ghana’s education system, such as improving enrollment rates, reducing teacher shortages, and enhancing the quality of education at all levels.
Controversy
Haruna Iddrisu, a prominent Ghanaian politician, has been involved in several notable controversies throughout his career. Here are some key instances:
1. Replacement as Minority Leader
In January 2025, Haruna Iddrisu was replaced as the Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament by Cassiel Ato Forson. Despite the unexpected change, Iddrisu expressed no regrets, stating, “I don’t carry guilt in my heart; I had the rare opportunity to serve.
2. ‘Free Boarding’ Controversy
During his vetting as Minister-designate for Education, Iddrisu’s stance on ‘free boarding’ in schools sparked debate. He shared his humble beginnings and perspectives on the policy, leading to discussions on its feasibility and implications.
3. Heritage Fund Debate
In 2017, Iddrisu opposed the government’s proposal to use Ghana’s Heritage Fund to finance the free Senior High School (SHS) policy. He argued that tapping into reserved oil revenue could be detrimental to the country’s future economic stability.
4. Internal Party Dynamics
There have been instances where Iddrisu’s positions differed from those of his party colleagues. For example, he reportedly discredited a comment made by fellow NDC member Isaac Adongo regarding the Vice President, highlighting differing viewpoints within the party.
These instances illustrate the complexities and challenges inherent in political leadership and policy advocacy.
Accolades And Recognitions
| Accolade/Recognition | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Best Minority Leader | 2019 | Awarded by FAKS Investigative Services for outstanding performance as Minority Leader. |
| National Youth Organizer Award | During Tenure (2002–2010) | Recognized for his impactful leadership as the National Youth Organizer of the NDC. |
| Honorary Member of Ghana Bar Association | 2002 | Acknowledged as a practicing lawyer with significant contributions to legal advocacy. |
| ICT Development Advocate | During Tenure (2009–2013) | Praised for his work in improving Ghana’s telecommunications and ICT infrastructure. |
| Parliamentary Achievement Awards | Various Years | Recognized for his contributions to debates, policymaking, and constituency projects. |
| Supporter of Grassroots Football | Ongoing | Celebrated for nurturing talents through Karela United and Steadfast FC. |
Conclusion
Haruna Iddrisu’s career reflects his dedication to public service, leadership, and development in Ghana. Born in Tamale in 1970, he began his journey with a strong educational foundation, earning a degree in Sociology from the University of Ghana and later becoming a member of the Ghana Bar Association. His involvement in student politics and early leadership roles within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) paved the way for his successful political career.
As a Member of Parliament for Tamale South since 2005, Iddrisu has held significant positions, including Minister for Communications, Minister for Trade and Industry, and Minister for Employment and Labour Relations. He has been known for his strong advocacy in various sectors, such as trade, ICT, and employment, working on policies aimed at national development.
In 2025, Iddrisu’s nomination as Ghana’s Minister of Education marks a new chapter, where he is expected to lead reforms to improve the education system. Throughout his career, he has faced both accolades and controversies but remains a significant figure in Ghana’s political landscape. His leadership in the NDC, football investments, and commitment to social and economic issues demonstrate his broader vision for the country’s growth.
Iddrisu’s legacy will likely continue to influence Ghanaian politics, particularly in areas like education, labor, and youth empowerment, for many years to come.
