20 Influential Figures Shaping Ghana’s Political Landscape

In Ghana, a country with a long political history, several political figures have risen to prominence and gained power. This article explores the political landscape by discussing the 20 recent influential political figures who have influenced the direction of national politics and have all made distinct contributions to the West African country’s progress.

Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo

 Nana Akufo-Addo started his political career as a member of parliament and has been the president of Ghana since 2017. In spite of his failed attempts to lead the New Patriotic Party, he won as an opposition candidate in 2016 and 2020, making history. His notable initiatives include the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda, which he has strived to attain amidst challenges and financial constraints.

John Dramani Mahama

John Dramani Mahama led the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2016 election and served as president from 2012 to January 6, 2017, but remains a powerful figure in the country’s politics. Despite losing the 2016 election, he is the current flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and is recognised for his achievements during his tenure in office and distinct position in the political system.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

A key player in Ghanaian politics is vice president Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia, an economist who leads the government’s economic team. Ghana’s technology landscape has been greatly impacted by Bawumia, who has led the charge in promoting a digital economy and modernizing state services. He is a significant influence on the country’s progress and is currently the elected presidential candidate for the National Patriotic Party (NPP).

Jerry John Rawlings

Jerry John Rawlings founded the National Democratic Congress and supported his successor. He served as the first president of the fourth republic and was in office for twenty years, making him Ghana’s longest-serving president. Though he has passed on, Rawlings remains an influential leader in the field of politics. He is remembered for a peaceful transition that occurred after the 2008 elections within his party. Also, after a coup in 1979, he headed two democratically elected governments and a military junta.

John Agyekum Kufuor

From 2001 until 2009, John Agyekum Kufuor became even more popular and influential by emerging victorious in the 2016 election. Kufuor has considerable influence in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Ghana experienced its first peaceful democratic transition after independence due to his victory. He has a long history in politics, having served in two previous administrations and guiding the NPP to victory in the 2000 and 2004 elections. Even though he left parliament in 2008, his influence carries on, garnering him the adoring nickname “Gentle Giant.”

Asiedu Nketiah

As the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman and the party’s longest-serving general secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, popularly known as General Mosquito, is a powerful figure in Ghanaian politics who is known for his political competence. He was elected to parliament in 1992 and has won numerous elections since then, notably the 2000 general election, in which he won the Wenchi West constituency. His repeated re-elections as the General Secretary of the NDC and now as chairman attest to his continuing importance.

Akosua Frema Osei-Opare

Akosua Frema Osei-Opare is the first woman to hold the office of Chief of Staff. She has demonstrated that women can succeed when given the chance. She represented the AyawasoWest Wuogon Constituency in parliament for two terms, from 2005 to 2013, as a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Her path demonstrates her significant influence in Ghanaian politics, shattering stereotypes of women in the process.

Kennedy Agyapong

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong is a prominent player in Ghanaian politics and a member of the NPP. He is the MP for the AssinCentral seat, was elected to parliament in 2000, and has held his position ever since. He is currently the Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament. Agyapong sought the NPP’s presidential candidacy in 2023 but was defeated by Mahamudu Bawumia, demonstrating his persistent

Haruna Iddrisu

Haruna Iddrisu rose from a background as a student leader to become the National Youth Organiser for the National Democratic Congress in 2002. From January 2017 to January 2023, Iddrisu, a representative for Tamale South, led the NDC as its minority leader. He continuously held his legislative seat, demonstrating his continued political importance, even after his party lost the presidential race.

Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu

Since January 1997, Mensah Bonsu has been the nation’s longest-serving legislator. Standing in for Old Tafo in the Suame Constituency, he is the chairman of important parliamentary committees and a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party, and his influence transcends political boundaries.

Ambrose Dery

Hon. Dery is the Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Nandom Constituency. He won the constituency during the 2016 elections on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party. Hon. Dery was appointed Deputy Attorney General in 2003. He also served in two ministerial positions: Regional Minister for the Upper West Region and Minister of State in the Ministry of Justice. He was the Deputy Minority Leader for the fifth parliament of Ghana.

Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka

Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka is a well-known politician from Ghana who represents Asawase in the Ashanti Region. He was the Minority Chief Whip during his tenure in the 4th through 8th parliaments. Muntaka was elected to the parliament in 2005. He has been an active member of several parliamentary committees and has kept his seat in succeeding elections, greatly advancing Ghana’s legislative processes.

Ekwow Spio-Garbrah

Ekwow Spio-Garbrah played significant roles in a number of administrations. During his tenure as Minister of Trade and Industry from 2014 to 2017, he was instrumental in shaping national trade policies and strategies. He established the ground-breaking Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) as Education Minister and oversaw the implementation of initiatives as Minister of Communication.

Matthew Opoku Prempeh

Distinguished Ghanaian physician and politician Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a member of the New Patriotic Party. In addition to being the Minister of Education, he was the Member of Parliament for the Manhyia South Constituency. During his tenure, he made important contributions to Ghana’s educational system, one of which was the introduction of the FREE SHS program. President Nana Akufo-Addo named him Minister of Energy in 2021. His broad range of experience in healthcare and education, along with his crucial participation in important parliamentary committees, demonstrate his significant influence in Ghanaian politics.

Albert Kan-Dapaah

Albert Kan-Dapaah is a well-known politician and chartered accountant who is presently Ghana’s Minister of National Security. As a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kan-Dapaah has served in a number of capacities, including as a minister who made contributions to the nation’s energy and communication sectors. He is regarded as a prominent political figure in Ghana due to his vast expertise and accomplishments.

Alban Sumana, Kingsford Bagbin

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is the current Speaker of Parliament. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Nadowli West constituency in 1992, marking the beginning of his political career. He also held several important roles over the years, including Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources and Majority Leader. With his appointment as Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic in 2021, Bagbin has shown his commitment to public service and versatility in a range of official capacities.

Sam Nartey, George

After defeating the then incumbent E. T. Mensah in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency NDC primary in 2015 and going on to win parliamentary elections in 2016 and 2020, Sam Nartey George became a member of the National Democratic Congress. He received 1,036 votes to hold onto his spot in the 2023 primary. Since 2021, he has been an advocate of an anti-LGBTQ+ bill to make homosexuality a crime, and he continues to serve on legislative committees.

Alan John Kyerematen

John Kwadwo Kyerematen is a politician who held the position of Minister for Trade and Industry from 2017 until 2023. In 2007, Kyerematen made serious attempts to assume the leadership of the NPP. He also worked as a trade counsellor for the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), where he helped shape trade policies. However, he has resigned as a member of the NPP to form his own party to contest the 2024 presidential elections.

Professor Naana Opoku Agyeman

A member of the National Democratic Congress, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was Ghana’s Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017 with inclusive educational policies. She is also the first woman to run for vice president of a major party in 2020. Her optimistic outlook and problem-solving style helped the NDC succeed during the campaign, especially in important areas like Greater Accra, even if she was criticised.

Yaw Osafo Marfo

Yaw Osafo-Maafo was appointed Senior Minister in the Nana Akufo-Addo cabinet in 1942. He successfully restructured significant Ghanaian institutions and has solid expertise in banking and finance. As Minister of Finance from 2001 to 2005, Osafo-Maafo, a former member of parliament, is acknowledged for his role in the economic recovery of Ghana.

Each political figure, through their unique contributions, represents the resiliency and vibrancy of Ghanaian politics as a whole. These leaders’ lasting influence will surely reverberate as the country navigates its political path, influencing the course of Ghana’s political development.

20 Influential Figures Shaping Ghana’s Political Landscape

In Ghana, a country with a long political history, several political figures have risen to prominence and gained power. This article explores the political landscape by discussing the 20 most significant political figures who have influenced the direction of national politics and have all made distinct contributions to the country’s progress.

Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo

Nana Akufo-Addo started his political career as a member of parliament and has been the president of Ghana since 2017. In spite of his failed attempts to lead the New Patriotic Party, he won as an opposition candidate in 2016 and 2020, making history. His notable initiatives include the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda, which he has strived to attain amidst challenges and financial constraints.

John Dramani Mahama

John Dramani Mahama led the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2016 election and served as president from 2012 to January 6, 2017, but remains a powerful figure in the country’s politics. Despite losing the 2016 election, he is the current flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and is recognised for his achievements during his tenure in office and distinct position in the political system.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

A key player in Ghanaian politics is vice president Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia, an economist who leads the government’s economic team. Ghana’s technology landscape has been greatly impacted by Bawumia, who has led the charge in promoting a digital economy and modernizing state services. He is a significant influence on the country’s progress and is currently the elected presidential candidate for the National Patriotic Party (NPP).

Jerry John Rawlings

Jerry John Rawlings founded the National Democratic Congress and supported his successor. He served as the first president of the fourth republic and was in office for twenty years, making him Ghana’s longest-serving president. Though he has passed on, Rawlings remains an influential leader in the field of politics. He is remembered for a peaceful transition that occurred after the 2008 elections within his party. Also, after a coup in 1979, he headed two democratically elected governments and a military junta.

John Agyekum Kufuor

From 2001 until 2009, John Agyekum Kufuor became even more popular and influential by emerging victorious in the 2016 election. Kufuor has considerable influence in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Ghana experienced its first peaceful democratic transition after independence due to his victory. He has a long history in politics, having served in two previous administrations and guiding the NPP to victory in the 2000 and 2004 elections. Even though he left parliament in 2008, his influence carries on, garnering him the adoring nickname “Gentle Giant.”

Asiedu Nketiah

As the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman and the party’s longest-serving general secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, popularly known as General Mosquito, is a powerful figure in Ghanaian politics who is known for his political competence. He was elected to parliament in 1992 and has won numerous elections since then, notably the 2000 general election, in which he won the Wenchi West constituency. His repeated re-elections as the General Secretary of the NDC and now as chairman attest to his continuing importance.

Akosua Frema Osei-Opare

Akosua Frema Osei-Opare is the first woman to hold the office of Chief of Staff. She has demonstrated that women can succeed when given the chance. She represented the AyawasoWest Wuogon Constituency in parliament for two terms, from 2005 to 2013, as a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Her path demonstrates her significant influence in Ghanaian politics, shattering stereotypes of women in the process.

Kennedy Agyapong

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong is a prominent player in Ghanaian politics and a member of the NPP. He is the MP for the AssinCentral seat, was elected to parliament in 2000, and has held his position ever since. He is currently the Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament. Agyapong sought the NPP’s presidential candidacy in 2023 but was defeated by Mahamudu Bawumia, demonstrating his persistent

Haruna Iddrisu

Haruna Iddrisu rose from a background as a student leader to become the National Youth Organiser for the National Democratic Congress in 2002. From January 2017 to January 2023, Iddrisu, a representative for Tamale South, led the NDC as its minority leader. He continuously held his legislative seat, demonstrating his continued political importance, even after his party lost the presidential race.

Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu

Since January 1997, Mensah Bonsu has been the nation’s longest-serving legislator. Standing in for Old Tafo in the Suame Constituency, he is the chairman of important parliamentary committees and a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party, and his influence transcends political boundaries.

Ambrose Dery

Hon. Dery is the Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Nandom Constituency. He won the constituency during the 2016 elections on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party. Hon. Dery was appointed Deputy Attorney General in 2003. He also served in two ministerial positions: Regional Minister for the Upper West Region and Minister of State in the Ministry of Justice. He was the Deputy Minority Leader for the fifth parliament of Ghana.

Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka

Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka is a well-known politician from Ghana who represents Asawase in the Ashanti Region. He was the Minority Chief Whip during his tenure in the 4th through 8th parliaments. Muntaka was elected to the parliament in 2005. He has been an active member of several parliamentary committees and has kept his seat in succeeding elections, greatly advancing Ghana’s legislative processes.

Ekwow Spio-Garbrah

Ekwow Spio-Garbrah played significant roles in a number of administrations. During his tenure as Minister of Trade and Industry from 2014 to 2017, he was instrumental in shaping national trade policies and strategies. He established the ground-breaking Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) as Education Minister and oversaw the implementation of initiatives as Minister of Communication.

Matthew Opoku Prempeh

Distinguished Ghanaian physician and politician Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a member of the New Patriotic Party. In addition to being the Minister of Education, he was the Member of Parliament for the Manhyia South Constituency. During his tenure, he made important contributions to Ghana’s educational system, one of which was the introduction of the FREE SHS program. President Nana Akufo-Addo named him Minister of Energy in 2021. His broad range of experience in healthcare and education, along with his crucial participation in important parliamentary committees, demonstrate his significant influence in Ghanaian politics.

Albert Kan-Dapaah

Albert Kan-Dapaah is a well-known politician and chartered accountant who is presently Ghana’s Minister of National Security. As a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kan-Dapaah has served in a number of capacities, including as a minister who made contributions to the nation’s energy and communication sectors. He is regarded as a prominent political figure in Ghana due to his vast expertise and accomplishments.

Alban Sumana, Kingsford Bagbin

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is the current Speaker of Parliament. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Nadowli West constituency in 1992, marking the beginning of his political career. He also held several important roles over the years, including Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources and Majority Leader. With his appointment as Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic in 2021, Bagbin has shown his commitment to public service and versatility in a range of official capacities.

Sam Nartey, George

After defeating the then incumbent E. T. Mensah in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency NDC primary in 2015 and going on to win parliamentary elections in 2016 and 2020, Sam Nartey George became a member of the National Democratic Congress. He received 1,036 votes to hold onto his spot in the 2023 primary. Since 2021, he has been an advocate of an anti-LGBTQ+ bill to make homosexuality a crime, and he continues to serve on legislative committees.

Alan John Kyerematen

John Kwadwo Kyerematen is a politician who held the position of Minister for Trade and Industry from 2017 until 2023. In 2007, Kyerematen made serious attempts to assume the leadership of the NPP. He also worked as a trade counsellor for the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), where he helped shape trade policies. However, he has resigned as a member of the NPP to form his own party to contest the 2024 presidential elections.

Professor Naana Opoku Agyeman

A member of the National Democratic Congress, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was Ghana’s Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017 with inclusive educational policies. She is also the first woman to run for vice president of a major party in 2020. Her optimistic outlook and problem-solving style helped the NDC succeed during the campaign, especially in important areas like Greater Accra, even if she was criticised.

Yaw Osafo Marfo

Yaw Osafo-Maafo was appointed Senior Minister in the Nana Akufo-Addo cabinet in 1942. He successfully restructured significant Ghanaian institutions and has solid expertise in banking and finance. As Minister of Finance from 2001 to 2005, Osafo-Maafo, a former member of parliament, is acknowledged for his role in the economic recovery of Ghana.

Each political figure, through their unique contributions, represents the resiliency and vibrancy of Ghanaian politics as a whole. These leaders’ lasting influence will surely reverberate as the country navigates its political path, influencing the course of Ghana’s political development.