Read All About Haruna Iddrisu, The Incoming Minister of Education

Hon. Haruna Iddrisu (MP) The Incoming Minister of Education has been nominated by President John Dramani Mahama for vetting.
Haruna Iddrisu was born on September 8, 1970, in the bustling city of Tamale, Northern Region of Ghana. Known for his charismatic presence and sharp wit, Iddrisu carries the weight of a man who has shaped not just his constituency but the national political landscape with his tenure. Married and a father, his personal life has often been kept out of the public eye, allowing his professional achievements to speak volumes on his behalf.
Education:
Iddrisu’s educational journey began in Tamale, where he attended Kulikuli Primary School. His academic path took him to the University of Ghana, where he studied from 1993 to 1997, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology. His time at university was not just about academics; he was deeply involved in student politics. During his final year, he was elected as the President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), showcasing his leadership skills even at a young age. Beyond his undergraduate studies, Iddrisu pursued a legal career, becoming a barrister and a member of the Ghana Bar Association since 2002, which has undoubtedly sharpened his analytical and argumentative skills.
Political Life and Prior Ministerial Appointments:
Haruna Iddrisu’s political career is a testament to his dedication to public service. He first stepped into the political arena in 2002, becoming the National Youth Organizer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a position he held with distinction for eight years. His political ascent was marked by his appointment as the Minister of Communications under the governments of Presidents John Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping Ghana’s ICT policy, including participation in international forums like the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Tunis Summit in 2005.
Later, he served as the Minister for Trade and Industry in 2013-2014, where he focused on boosting trade and economic development. His stint as Minister for Employment and Labour Relations from 2014 under President Mahama further showcased his commitment to labor rights and employment opportunities.
Parliamentary History:
Iddrisu’s parliamentary journey started in 2004 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the newly formed Tamale South constituency. He has since retained his seat through several elections, demonstrating a strong connection with his constituents. His role as Minority Leader from January 2017 to January 2023 was particularly notable, where he was known for his fierce debates and strategic opposition to the government’s policies. His leadership in parliament has been characterized by a focus on legislative scrutiny and advocating for the interests of his party and the nation.
In recent developments, with the NDC returning to power, Haruna Iddrisu has been appointed as the incoming Minister of Education, a role that will see him tackle one of Ghana’s most critical sectors, promising to reform and innovate educational policies to meet contemporary challenges.
Net Worth of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu (MP), The Incoming Minister of Education
While exact figures of Haruna Iddrisu’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his long-standing political career, alongside his legal practice, suggests substantial personal wealth. His investments in football clubs like Karela United and Steadfast FC, along with other business ventures, contribute to his financial standing. However, his public service record is what he’s most known for, emphasizing service over personal enrichment.
Haruna Iddrisu’s life story is one of dedication to public service, from his student activism days to his current political stature. His upcoming role as Education Minister is eagerly anticipated by many who have followed his career, expecting significant contributions to Ghana’s educational landscape. His blend of legal acumen, political savvy, and commitment to development makes him a figure of considerable influence in Ghana’s political scene. His journey, rich with lessons of leadership and advocacy, continues to inspire many, especially in the Northern Region, where he remains a beloved son of Tamale.
Let us take a look at some specific challenges in education that Haruna Iddrisu would need to tackle as the Minister of Education in Ghana:
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu (MP) The Incoming Ministry of Education Must Keep An Eye On The Following Issues.
Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy Implementation:
The Free SHS policy has increased enrollment, which is positive, but it has also led to significant challenges in terms of quality and resource management. The policy needs reevaluation to ensure it delivers on its promise of equitable and quality education without overwhelming the existing educational infrastructure.
Poor Feeding in Schools:
Both SHS and basic schools have faced issues with the quality and nutritional value of meals provided to students. There have been instances of inadequate food supply, leading to hunger among students, and the meals often lack nutritional balance. This impacts students’ health and their ability to concentrate and learn effectively.
Double-Track System in SHS
Introduced to manage the surge in student numbers due to the Free SHS policy, the double-track system splits the academic year into two groups, leading to students having different academic calendars. This system has been criticized for disrupting educational continuity and potentially lowering academic performance due to extended breaks between sessions.
Delayed Teacher Recruitment and Posting:
There’s a significant backlog in recruiting and posting teachers, especially in rural and newly established schools. This delay contributes to teacher shortages, overburdening existing staff, and affecting the student-teacher ratio, which in turn impacts the quality of education.
Abandoned E-Blocks:
The E-Block initiative, started under former President John Mahama, aimed at constructing modern community day senior high schools to increase access to secondary education. However, many of these structures remain incomplete or abandoned, representing a loss of resources and potential educational facilities. Completing these projects could significantly alleviate some of the infrastructural challenges in education.
These issues are central to the current discourse on educational reform in Ghana and require immediate attention:
-
Free SHS needs a review to ensure it’s sustainable and delivers quality education. This might involve better allocation of resources, and infrastructure development.
-
Improving Feeding in Schools would involve better planning, supply chain management, and possibly decentralizing food procurement to ensure fresh, nutritious meals.
-
Abolishing or Revamping the Double-Track System could mean either investing in infrastructure to accommodate all students year-round such as the promises inclusion of Private SHSs in the Free SHS programme.
-
Speeding Up Teacher Recruitment is essential for addressing staff shortages and ensuring that every school has enough qualified educators.
-
Reviving the E-Blocks Project would require revisiting the funding, construction, and completion of these schools to serve the intended purpose of expanding educational access.
READ: See the 12 regional and sector ministers nominated by President Mahama
Tackling these challenges would not only improve the educational landscape in Ghana but also ensure that the investments made in education yield the expected returns in terms of human capital development.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Who is the incoming Minister of Education in 2025? Hon. Haruna Iddrisu (MP) Is the The Incoming Minster of Education
I’m very happy for happy for Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
Whom Much Is Given,Much Is Expected.
Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected.
Expecting A Great Job