The nomination of former Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, as the Minister for Education, has sparked mixed reactions among residents of his constituency in the Northern region.
While some believe he would have been better suited for the Finance Ministry due to his experience and the country’s current economic challenges, others feel he would have excelled at the Roads and Highways or Defence Ministry.
However, many residents have expressed satisfaction with his nomination to the Education Ministry.
Speaking to JoyNews‘ correspondent Martina Bugri, a resident, despite his affiliation with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), voiced disappointment with the portfolio assigned to Mr Iddrisu.
“Nitiwul was appointed Defence Minister and he brought many Konkombas into the military. If Lawyer Haruna had gone there, he could have also facilitated the inclusion of Northerners from Gonjaland, Mamprugu, Dagombas, and Nanumbas into the army. I must say we are not happy with what he has been given,” the resident remarked.
Another resident, while acknowledging the importance of the Education Ministry, expressed a preference for Mr Iddrisu as Finance Minister, given the pressing need for competent leadership to address the country’s economic challenges.
The Tamale South Constituency Secretary of the NDC, Seidu Abass Alhassan, described the appointment as a source of immense joy for the constituency.
“When the news of Haurna Iddrisus’ appointment broke, a whole lot of people called me to find out how we felt about his appointment.
“I told them that Tamale South constituency is the happiest constituency under the sun today because Hon. Haruna Iddrisu is a distinguished politician, a politician who has excelled in so many ministries in this country,” he stated.
He praised President John Dramani Mahama for reposing confidence in Mr Iddrisu, adding, “We the people of Tamale South Constituency are extremely happy and wish to express our profound gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in our Hon. Member for Tamale South Constituency.”
On his part, the Tamale South Constituency Communication Officer of the NDC, Issak Abdul Fatau, echoed similar sentiments, celebrating the announcement as a reflection of Mr Iddrisu’s competence and dedication.
“We indeed are very grateful. The announcement came to us at a time we anticipated it. We knew very well that Haruna Iddrisu was a man of wisdom and a man of accolades. He has served the country and the NDC so much that everybody was waiting to hear his nomination.
“We thank the President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for nominating Haruna Iddrisu for the Ministry of Education. Hon. Haruna has served the country in a number of ministries where he has chalked numerous successes…. So I believe going forward, the Education Ministry is going to see a new facelift under the stewardship of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu,” he said.
Residents and constituency leaders remain hopeful that Haruna Iddrisu’s tenure will bring transformative leadership to the Education Ministry and tackle the challenges confronting the sector.
Mr Iddrisu, a leading political figure in the NDC from the north, has served in the Communication Ministry, Trade and Industry Ministry and as Minister of Employment and Labour Relations in past NDC administrations.
