In the political history of Northern Ghana, few names command as much influence, admiration, and enduring relevance as Haruna Iddrisu. To many within the Northern Region, particularly in Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu is not merely a politician; he is regarded as a political phenomenon whose resilience, strategic intelligence, and commanding presence have elevated him into what many metaphorically describe as the “Political Mystical God” of the region.
This expression does not suggest divinity in the literal sense, but rather reflects the extraordinary political authority and dominance he has maintained over the years. In a region where politics is deeply tied to loyalty, influence, tradition, and grassroots connection, Haruna Iddrisu has emerged as one of the few leaders capable of transcending ordinary political relevance to become a symbol of political strength, continuity, and stability.
Born and raised in Tamale, Haruna Iddrisu’s rise in Ghanaian politics is a story of discipline, intellectual depth, and consistency. Trained as a lawyer, he entered Parliament in 2004 as the Member of Parliament for Tamale South on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Since then, he has remained politically unshaken in the constituency, surviving changing political climates while maintaining an almost unmatched connection with the people.
This influence transcends his consistent ability to retain his parliamentary seat for the NDC over the last two decades. It also extends to his contribution to the electoral numbers necessary for the party’s return to political power. Not only that, but he has also greatly influenced leadership choices in other constituencies, which, to a large extent, has contributed to the party’s successes within the Northern Region.
His political endurance is one of the reasons many observers associate him with a “mystical” political aura, leading figures such as Samuel Ampofo and others to refer to him as the primus inter pares of Northern politics. To fully appreciate his influence in the Northern Region and beyond, an interested observer must comparatively examine the party’s performance in the region from the year 2000 through to the 2016 elections, a period during which it was rumoured or alleged that he was not in the good books of the President. This reportedly caused him to step back and focus primarily on his constituency because he was not assigned any major role during that electioneering period.
For some of us, we believe that the NDC did not lose the 2016 election solely because of bad governance, but partly because the campaign lacked the face and influence capable of instilling confidence in both the party and the government throughout the campaign process.
Election after election, Haruna Iddrisu continues to dominate political conversations in the Northern Region through his eloquence, visibility, and influence both within Parliament and among grassroots supporters. His speeches often reflect sharp legal reasoning, national consciousness, and a deep understanding of governance, making him one of the most respected voices in Ghanaian politics.
He rose to this unmatched level of influence through his early experience as a student leader. Having held several major positions in government, including Minister for Communications, Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, and Minority Leader in Parliament, his ability to navigate both government and opposition politics with confidence has strengthened his reputation as a strategic political actor.
This can further be seen in how he has strategically transformed the reputation of the Ministry of Education, which had suffered criticism due to poor policy implementation under the erstwhile NPP government, which many like myself to an extent believed he was sent there to fail as we thought the damage was irreparable, however he turned into what many now consider one of the best-performing ministries under President John Mahama’s administration. As Ghana’s Minister of Education, he continues to play a significant role in shaping national policy and educational reforms aimed at improving accessibility, quality, and innovation within the sector.
Beyond national politics, Haruna Iddrisu’s strongest political roots remain in the Northern Region. Many young people in Tamale view him as a source of inspiration and political mentorship. His influence stretches beyond party lines, as he is often consulted on matters concerning regional development, governance, and political strategy. His consistent support for educational initiatives, youth empowerment programmes, and infrastructure development has further cemented his status as one of the region’s most influential political figures.
I could not have found a better title for this article than “The Political Mystical God in Northern Region,” as it perfectly reflects how deeply Haruna Iddrisu’s image has become embedded in the political consciousness of the people. To his supporters, his political survival, influence, and ability to remain relevant over decades appear almost extraordinary. He represents a rare combination of intellectual sophistication, grassroots appeal, and strategic leadership.
While he has earned this title and many positive appellations, he is not without his excesses. However, these have had little to no negative effect on his public image, particularly from the perspective of political marketing, as he is admired not only by members of his political party but also by many across the political divide. It is worth noting that even his critics acknowledge his exceptional contribution to Ghana’s democratic and parliamentary development.
It is undeniably true that any future NDC flagbearer hopeful will need a Haruna Iddrisu, as asserted by Franklin Cudjoe. I would further add that the party may also require his influence and political machinery to secure victory in the 2028 elections, considering the extent of his impact in the Northern Region and beyond. His influence continues to inspire hope among millions within the party, and the NDC may struggle to maintain its political dominance without figures of his calibre no matter who is leading the party into the 2028 elections.
Haruna Iddrisu remains one of the defining political personalities of Northern Ghana. Whether admired as a visionary leader, respected as an intellectual politician, or metaphorically described as the “Political Mystical God” of the Northern Region, his impact on Ghanaian politics continues to be profound. His journey reflects not only personal ambition but also the enduring power of leadership rooted in consistency, influence, and deep connection with the people.
