Hey there! Welcome to brutserp.com.ng, your ultimate destination for detailed biographies of celebrities around the world! Today, we bring you the inspiring story of Haruna Iddrisu, a dynamic Ghanaian politician, lawyer, and football enthusiast whose influence spans governance and sports. Born on September 8, 1970, in Tamale, Ghana, Haruna’s journey is a testament to leadership, resilience, and community impact.
As the long-serving Member of Parliament for Tamale South, he has held several prestigious roles, including Minority Leader and Minister in various capacities. Beyond politics, Haruna is a devoted football lover and club owner, fostering young talent through Karela United and Steadfast FC.
Dive into his story to uncover his early life, educational achievements, political milestones, and contributions to Ghana’s development. Stay with us for an engaging look at one of Ghana’s most influential personalities
Quick Information Table
| Full Name | Haruna Iddrisu |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Tamale, Ghana |
| Occupation | Politician, Lawyer, Football Enthusiast |
| Political Party | National Democratic Congress (NDC) |
| Current Position | Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Former Minority Leader |
| Education | B.A. (Hons) in Sociology, University of Ghana |
| Spouse | Married, 3 children |
| Football Clubs | Karela United, Steadfast FC |
Early Life and Education
Haruna Iddrisu was born on September 8, 1970, in Tamale, a city in the Northern Region of Ghana. He received his early education at Kulikuli School in Tamale before advancing to the University of Ghana. At the University of Ghana, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Sociology from 1993 to 1997. During his university years, Iddrisu was actively involved in student leadership and served as the President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in his final year. He is also a qualified barrister and has been a member of the Ghana Bar Association since 2002.
Political Career
Haruna Iddrisu’s political journey began early, stemming from his leadership in student politics. After his university days, he rose to prominence in national politics. In 2002, he became the National Youth Organizer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a position he held for eight years. Iddrisu’s political career further expanded as he became the Minister for Communications in the Atta Mills administration. He was also appointed as the Minister for Trade and Industry under President John Dramani Mahama from 2013 to 2014, and later, Minister for Employment and Labour Relations in July 2014.
Iddrisu’s entry into Parliament occurred in the 2004 elections, when he contested and won the newly formed Tamale South constituency. His leadership qualities earned him a place as the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications and the Minority Spokesperson on Communications. He retained his parliamentary seat in the 2008 and 2012 elections, consistently securing overwhelming votes from his constituents.
Leadership in Parliament
Iddrisu’s influence continued to grow as he was appointed the Minority Leader in the 7th Parliament of Ghana’s Fourth Republic in 2017. In this role, he led the opposition in Parliament, advocating for the policies of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) while holding the ruling government accountable. He held this position until 2023 when he was replaced by Ato Forson in a leadership change within the NDC.
Despite his party’s failure to win the 2020 Presidential Election, Haruna Iddrisu maintained his parliamentary seat in Tamale South with a decisive victory. His enduring popularity was further demonstrated in May 2023 when he ran unopposed in the NDC’s Parliamentary primaries, making history as the only incumbent MP in Ghana’s history to run for primaries unopposed for four consecutive terms.
Contributions and Public Service
Beyond his political responsibilities, Haruna Iddrisu has made notable contributions to his community. In January 2020, he donated a CHPS (Community-based Health Planning and Services) compound to the Duunyin community in the Northern Region of Ghana, providing healthcare services to the underserved population.
Recent Developments: Appointment as Minister-Designate for Education
Haruna Iddrisu Appointment as Minister-Designate for Education:
In January 2025, Haruna Iddrisu was appointed as the Minister-Designate for Education. During his vetting in Parliament, he pledged to advocate for the uncapping of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to enhance resources for educational infrastructure. He emphasized that uncapping the fund would release approximately $3 billion, totaling $7.9 billion, to support the Ministry of Education’s initiatives.
Reflection on Leadership Transition:
Following his replacement as Minority Leader in January 2023, Haruna Iddrisu expressed no regrets about the change. He shared that he had been informed of the reshuffling and had a final discussion with then-opposition leader, President John Dramani Mahama, before the transition. Iddrisu stated that he holds no resentment and takes pride in his leadership contributions.
Commitment to Education:
As Minister-Designate for Education, Haruna Iddrisu has committed to addressing disparities in education quality between rural and urban areas. He highlighted the critical need to improve teacher accommodation in rural regions and proposed dedicating 20% of national expenditure to education or allocating a minimum of 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the education sector over the next decade.
Support for Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy:
Haruna Iddrisu has reassured Ghanaians that the NDC government has no plans to cancel the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. He emphasized the party’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the policy to ensure accessible education for all.
Advocacy for Medical Students:
In response to the government’s decision to refund fees for certain categories of students, Haruna Iddrisu clarified that medical students are not included in this refund. He emphasized the importance of supporting medical education and ensuring that medical students receive the necessary resources for their training.
Personal Life: Wife and Children
Haruna Iddrisu is married and has three children. He is a devout Muslim and remains deeply connected to his roots in Tamale, where he spends his free time playing football.
Football Team
A football enthusiast, Haruna Iddrisu has a significant presence in Ghana’s football scene. He is the owner of Karela United, a Ghana Premier League club, and Steadfast FC, a Division One club. Iddrisu’s passion for football has extended beyond ownership; his club Steadfast FC notably produced Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who was signed by Leicester City for 17 million Euros from Sporting CP.
Net Worth
Haruna Iddrisu, a prominent Ghanaian politician and lawyer, has an estimated net worth ranging between $30 million and $314 million, according to various sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Haruna Iddrisu
Who is Haruna Iddrisu?
Haruna Iddrisu is a Ghanaian lawyer, politician, and football enthusiast. He is the Member of Parliament for Tamale South and a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He has served in various government roles, including Minister for Communications, Minister for Trade, and Minister for Employment and Labour Relations.
When was Haruna Iddrisu born?
Haruna Iddrisu was born on September 8, 1970, in Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
What is Haruna Iddrisu’s educational background?
Haruna Iddrisu earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Ghana between 1993 and 1997. He was active in student politics and served as the President of the National Union of Ghana Students. He is also a barrister and a member of the Ghana Bar Association since 2002.
What roles has Haruna Iddrisu held in government?
Haruna Iddrisu has held numerous significant positions, including:
- Minister for Communications
- Minister for Trade
- Minister for Employment and Labour Relations
He also served as the Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament from January 2017 to January 2023.
Is Haruna Iddrisu involved in sports?
Yes, Haruna Iddrisu is a football enthusiast. He owns two football clubs: Karela United, a Ghana Premier League team, and Steadfast FC, a Division One club that nurtured talented players like Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
What notable contributions has Haruna Iddrisu made in education?
As Minister-Designate for Education in 2025, Haruna Iddrisu advocated for the uncapping of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to provide more resources for educational development. He also emphasized improving teacher accommodation in rural areas and increasing investment in the education sector.
What is Haruna Iddrisu’s family life?
Haruna Iddrisu is married, has three children, and practices Islam. He hails from the Northern Region of Ghana.
What is Haruna Iddrisu’s stance on the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy?
Haruna Iddrisu has reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to maintaining and improving the Free SHS policy, ensuring accessible education for all Ghanaians.
What are Haruna Iddrisu’s recent achievements in politics?
In May 2023, Haruna Iddrisu won the NDC parliamentary primaries unopposed for the fourth consecutive time, making him the only incumbent MP in Ghana’s history to achieve this feat. He also continues to advocate for significant reforms in education and youth development.
Does Haruna Iddrisu engage with his constituents?
Yes, Haruna Iddrisu is actively engaged with his constituents. For instance, in January 2020, he donated a CHPS compound to the Duunyin community in the Northern Region to improve healthcare services.
Conclusion
Haruna Iddrisu is not only a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics but also a passionate football enthusiast and community leader. His journey from student leader to Member of Parliament, coupled with his roles in various government ministries, showcases his dedication to public service. As the owner of successful football clubs, his impact on Ghana’s sports culture is also noteworthy. With a history of steadfast leadership, Iddrisu remains a key figure in the political and sports landscape of Ghana.