Culture & Heritage
Mills-Mahama – Northern Leadership at the Highest Level (2009–2017)
The Mills-Mahama era witnessed the highest achievement of northern political representation since independence. On 7 January 2009, John Evans Atta Mills was inaugurated as President of Ghana, with John Dramani Mahama—a northerner from Bole in the Northern Region—as his Vice President. When Mills passed away on 24 July 2012, Mahama became the first northerner to accede to the presidency through constitutional succession. He then won a full term in the December 2012 election, becoming the first elected northern President of Ghana. For eight years, northerners served at the highest levels of the Mills and Mahama administrations, holding key cabinet portfolios and filling parliamentary benches across the three northern regions. Their work cemented the north’s place at the center of Ghanaian governance.
Table of contents
- The Mills-Mahama Presidency (2009–2012): A Northerner as Vice President
- Northern Region MPs (2009–2013)
- Upper East Region MPs (2009–2013)
- Upper West Region MPs (2009–2013)
- The Transition: Mahama Becomes President (July 2012)
- Upper East Region MPs (2013–2017)
- Upper West Region MPs (2013–2017)
- Northerners in the Mahama Cabinet (2013–2017)
- Legacy of the Mills and Mahama Era for Northern Ghana
- Looking Ahead: The Akufo-Addo Years and Bawumia as Vice President
This is Part Eleven of The Savanna Online’s exclusive series on the political architects of Northern Ghana.
Part One introduced the founders of the Northern People’s Party (1954).
Part Two covered the First Republic (1960–1966).
Part Three examined the National Liberation Council (1966–1969).
Part Four looked at the Second Republic (1969–1972).
Part Five analyzed the NRC and SMC years (1972–1979).
Part Six focused on the AFRC interlude (1979).
Part Seven examined Ghana’s Third Republic (1979–1981) under Hilla Limann.
Part Eight covered PNDC Northern Ghana (1981–1993).
Part Nine examined Northern Ghana politicians of the Fourth Republic under Rawlings (1993–2001).
Part Ten explored the Kufuor Years in Northern Ghana (2001–2009) under Aliu Mahama.
Now, Part Eleven turns to the Mills and Mahama era—a period when northerners reached the pinnacle of national leadership.
The Mills-Mahama Presidency (2009–2012): A Northerner as Vice President
The 2008 presidential election was a hard-fought contest between the NDC’s John Atta Mills and the NPP’s Nana Akufo-Addo. Mills, a former Vice President under Rawlings, won a narrow victory in a second-round run-off on 28 December 2008 and was sworn in on 7 January 2009.
Mills chose John Dramani Mahama as his running mate—a decision that would prove historic. Mahama, then MP for Bole/Bamboi, had served as Deputy Minister for Communications (1997–1998) and Minister for Communications (1998–2001) under Rawlings. His selection as Vice President made him the second northerner to hold the nation’s second-highest office, following Alhaji Aliu Mahama’s two terms under Kufuor.
The Mills administration included several northerners in senior cabinet positions. Cletus Avoka (MP for Bawku West) served as Minister for the Interior from February 2009 to January 2010. Alban Bagbin (MP for Nadowli North) served as Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing from January 2010 to January 2012, and then as Minister for Health from January 2012 until the end of the Mills presidency. Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni (MP for Tamale Central) served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration throughout the Mills administration.
Haruna Iddrisu (MP for Tamale South) served as Minister for Communications from 2009 to 2013, spearheading initiatives such as Mobile Number Portability, SIM Card Registration, and the Data Protection Law.
Benjamin Kunbuor, a northerner from the Upper West Region, served as Minister for the Interior from 2011 to 2012.
Mark Woyongo served as Upper East Regional Minister from 2009 to 2012 under the Mills administration.
Moses Asaga (MP for Nabdam in the Upper East Region) served as a minister in the Mills government.
The Mills-Mahama Era in Northern Ghana also saw a strong northern contingent in the Fifth Parliament (2009–2013), with MPs representing constituencies across the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions.
The 2008 parliamentary election returned a significant northern contingent. Below are the known MPs from the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions, as documented in the official parliamentary record.
Northern Region MPs (2009–2013)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bimbilla | Dominic Nitiwul | NPP | Later Defence Minister |
| Bole | John Dramani Mahama | NDC | Vice President; later President |
| Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo | Joseph Yaani Labik | NDC | |
| Chereponi | Mohammed Seidu Abah | NDC | |
| Damango/Daboya | Sammy B. Wusah | NDC | |
| Gushiegu/Karaga | Iddrisu Huudu | NDC | |
| Karaga | Mohammed Amin Adam | NPP | Later Finance Minister |
| Kpandai | Likpalimor Kwajo Tawiah | NDC | |
| Kumbungu | Alhassan Musah | NDC | Died in office late 2012; succeeded by Moses Amadu Yahaya |
| Mion | Adams Ebenezer Mahama | NDC | |
| Nalerigu | Ben Baluri Saibu | NDC | |
| Nanton | Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed | NDC | Later Deputy Minister for Information |
| Saboba | Bukari Moses Mabengba | NDC | |
| Salaga | Hamid Baba Braimah | NDC | |
| Savelugu | Abubakar Alhassan MacNamara | NDC | |
| Tamale Central | Inusah Fuseini | NDC | First elected in 2006 by-election following resignation of Alhassan Wayo Seini |
| Tamale South | Haruna Iddrisu | NDC | Minister for Communications |
| Tolon | Wahabi Alhassan | NDC | |
| Walewale | Alhaji Issifu Azumah | NDC | |
| Wulensi | Amidu Seidu | NDC | |
| Yapei-Kusawgu | Amadu Seidu | NDC | |
| Yendi | Alhaji Imoro Salifu | NDC | Veteran politician |
| Zabzugu/Tatale | Jagri John Kokpah | NDC |
Upper East Region MPs (2009–2013)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bawku Central | Mahama Ayariga | NDC | First elected 2008, succeeded Hawa Yakubu (who died in office 20 March 2007) |
| Bawku West | Cletus Apul Avoka | NDC | Minister for Interior (2009–2010) |
| Bolgatanga | David Apasera | NDC | |
| Bongo | Albert Akuka Alalzuuga | NDC | |
| Builsa North | Norbert Garko Awulley | NDC | |
| Builsa South | James Agalga | NDC | Later Deputy Interior Minister |
| Chiana/Paga | Rudolf Amenga-Etego | NDC | |
| Garu/Tempane | Dominic Azimbe Azumah | NDC | |
| Nabdam | Moses Asaga | NDC | Minister; lost seat 2012 |
| Navrongo Central | Clement Tumfuga Bugase | NDC | Succeeded Godfrey Abulu (1993–1995) and John Setuni Achuliwor (1995–1996) |
| Talensi | John Akologu Tia | NDC | |
| Zebilla | John Akparibo Ndebugre | NDC | Former PNDC Secretary; returned to Parliament |
Upper West Region MPs (2009–2013)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daffiama-Bussie-Issa | Seidu Amadu | NDC | |
| Jirapa | Francis Gyafiiry Korbieh | NDC | |
| Lambussie | Edward K. Dery | NDC | |
| Lawra/Nandom | Ken Meyir Kunfah | NDC | |
| Nadowli North | Alban Sumana Bagbin | NDC | Minister for Water Resources (2010–2012); Minister for Health (2012–2013) |
| Sissala East | Alhaji Amidu Sulemana | NDC | |
| Sissala West | Haruna Bayor | NDC | |
| Wa Central | Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo | NDC | Later Minister of State at Presidency |
| Wa East | Issaku Saliah | NDC | |
| Wa West | Amidu Suleman | NDC |
Notable among these MPs is John Dramani Mahama (Bole), who served as Vice President throughout the Mills administration. Alban Bagbin (Nadowli North) held two senior cabinet portfolios. Cletus Avoka (Bawku West) served as Interior Minister. Haruna Iddrisu (Tamale South) served as Communications Minister. Benjamin Kunbuor served as Interior Minister from 2011. Mohammed Amin Adam (Karaga) was one of the few NPP MPs from the north during this period. Alhassan Musah (Kumbungu) died in late 2012 and was succeeded by Moses Amadu Yahaya in a by-election on 2 May 2013.
The Transition: Mahama Becomes President (July 2012)
On 24 July 2012, President John Atta Mills passed away suddenly after a brief illness. Vice President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as President the same day, in accordance with the Ghanaian constitution. Mahama became the first northerner to assume the presidency through constitutional succession.
Mahama inherited a government in transition. He retained most of Mills’ ministers and prepared for the December 2012 general election. His campaign focused on continuity, stability, and the completion of Mills’ legacy. On 7 December 2012, Mahama won the presidential election with 50.7% of the vote, becoming the first elected northern President of Ghana. He was sworn in for a full term on 7 January 2013.
The Mills Mahama Era in Northern Ghana had reached its zenith: a northerner now held the highest office in the land.
Northern MPs in the Sixth Parliament (2013–2017)
The 2012 parliamentary election, held alongside the presidential poll, returned a significant northern contingent to the Sixth Parliament. New constituencies were created, expanding the number of seats.
Northern Region MPs (2013–2017)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bimbilla | Dominic Nitiwul | NPP | Minority Chief Whip; later Defence Minister |
| Bole | Yusif Sulemana | NDC | Succeeded John Mahama |
| Bunkpurugu | Thomas Mba Akabzaa | NDC | |
| Chereponi | Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite | NDC | |
| Gushiegu | Zakaria Iddrisu | NDC | |
| Karaga | Mohammed Amin Adam | NPP | Later Finance Minister |
| Kpandai | Mathew Nyindam | NPP | |
| Kumbungu | Moses Amadu Yahaya | CPP | Elected in by-election 2 May 2013 following death of Alhassan Musah |
| Mion | Mohammed Abdul Aziz | NDC | |
| Nalerigu | Jacob Iddrisu Abdulai | NDC | |
| Nanton | Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed | NDC | |
| Saboba | Bukari Moses Mabengba | NDC | |
| Sagnarigu | Alhassan Dahamani | NDC | |
| Salaga North | Adam Mutawakil | NDC | |
| Savelugu | Abubakar Alhassan MacNamara | NDC | |
| Sawla-Tuna-Kalba | Donatus N. K. P. A. Kipo | NDC | |
| Tamale Central | Inusah Fuseini | NDC | |
| Tamale South | Haruna Iddrisu | NDC | Minister for Trade (2013–2014); Minister for Employment (2014–2017) |
| Tolon | Abdulai B. S. Alhassan | NDC | |
| Walewale | Alhaji Issifu Azumah | NDC | |
| Wulensi | Thomas Kwesi Nasah | NDC | |
| Yendi | Farouk Aliu Mahama | NDC | Son of former VP Aliu Mahama |
| Zabzugu | Jagri John Kokpah | NDC |
Upper East Region MPs (2013–2017)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bawku Central | Mahama Ayariga | NDC | Later Minister of Information |
| Bawku West | Cletus Apul Avoka | NDC | Majority Leader |
| Binduri | Agbango G. Akeya | NDC | |
| Bolgatanga Central | Isaac Adongo | NDC | |
| Bolgatanga East | Dominic A. Akudago | NDC | |
| Bongo | Edward Abambire Bawa | NDC | |
| Builsa North | Norbert Garko Awulley | NDC | |
| Builsa South | James Agalga | NDC | Later Deputy Interior Minister |
| Chiana/Paga | Rudolf Amenga-Etego | NDC | |
| Garu | Albert Akuka Alalzuuga | NDC | |
| Nabdam | Boniface Gambilla | NPP | Defeated Moses Asaga |
| Navrongo Central | Joseph Kofi Adda | NPP | |
| Pusiga | Laadi Ayamba | NDC | |
| Talensi | Robert Nachinab Doameng Mosore | NDC | |
| Zebilla | Frank Fuseini Adongo | NDC |
Upper West Region MPs (2013–2017)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daffiama-Bussie-Issa | Sebastian Ngmenenso Sandaare | NDC | |
| Jirapa | Francis Gyafiiry Korbieh | NDC | |
| Lambussie | Edward K. Dery | NDC | |
| Lawra | Samson Abu | NDC | |
| Nadowli Kaleo | Alban Sumana Bagbin | NDC | Majority Leader (2014–2017) |
| Sissala East | Alhaji Amidu Sulemana | NDC | |
| Sissala West | Patrick Al-Hassan Adamah | NDC | |
| Wa Central | Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo | NDC | Minister of State at Presidency |
| Wa East | Issaku Saliah | NDC | |
| Wa West | Joseph Yieleh Chireh | NDC |
Notable among these MPs was Cletus Avoka (Bawku West), who served as Majority Leader. Alban Bagbin (Nadowli Kaleo) served as Majority Leader from 2014 to 2017. Haruna Iddrisu (Tamale South) served as Minister for Trade and Industry (2013–2014) and Minister for Employment and Labor Relations (2014–2017). Benjamin Kunbuor continued as a senior minister. Farouk Aliu Mahama (Yendi), son of former Vice President Aliu Mahama, entered Parliament. Moses Amadu Yahaya (Kumbungu) was the only Convention People’s Party (CPP) MP in the 6th Parliament.
Northerners in the Mahama Cabinet (2013–2017)
President Mahama appointed several northerners to senior ministerial positions.
| Name | Portfolio | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Dramani Mahama | President | 2013–2017 | First elected northern President |
| Kwesi Amissah-Arthur | Vice President | 2012–2017 | From Central Region; appointed by Mahama |
| Benjamin Kunbuor | Minister for Defence (2013–2014); Attorney General and Minister for Justice (2014–2017) | 2013–2017 | Senior northern minister; from Upper West Region |
| Alban Bagbin | Minister for Health (2013–2014); Minister for Water Resources (2014–2017) | 2013–2017 | Continued from Mills era; Majority Leader (2014–2017) |
| Haruna Iddrisu | Minister for Trade and Industry (2013–2014); Minister for Employment and Labour Relations (2014–2017) | 2013–2017 | MP for Tamale South |
| Cletus Avoka | Majority Leader (2013–2014); later Minister for Lands and Natural Resources | 2013–2017 | MP for Bawku West |
| Mark Woyongo | Minister for Defence (2013–2014); Minister for the Interior (2014–2017) | 2013–2017 | From Upper East Region |
| Mahama Ayariga | Minister for Information and Media Relations | 2013–2017 | MP for Bawku Central |
| Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo | Minister of State at Presidency (Public-Private Partnerships) | 2013–2017 | MP for Wa Central |
| Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed | Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations | 2013–2017 | MP for Nanton |
| James Agalga | Deputy Minister for the Interior | 2013–2017 | MP for Builsa South |
| Mohammed Amin Adam | Deputy Minister for Energy and Petroleum | 2013–2017 | MP for Karaga (NPP) |
| Ben Abdallah Banda | Northern Regional Minister | 2013–2017 | Administered Northern Region |
| James Zuugah Tiigah | Upper East Regional Minister | 2013–2017 | Administered Upper East Region |
| Ephraim Nsoh Avea | Upper West Regional Minister | 2013–2017 | Administered Upper West Region |
The presence of northerners in the Mahama cabinet was unprecedented. Northerners held the presidency, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Employment, the Ministry of Information, and three Regional Minister positions. This represented the highest concentration of northern political power in Ghana’s history.
Legacy of the Mills and Mahama Era for Northern Ghana
The Mills and Mahama era left an enduring legacy for Northern Ghana. First, John Dramani Mahama’s presidency shattered the final barrier preventing northerners from reaching the highest office in the land. His election as President—following his constitutional succession from Mills—proved that a northerner could win a national election and govern the country.
Second, northerners held an unprecedented number of senior cabinet positions. The Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Employment, and the Ministry of Information were all headed by northerners. This demonstrated that northerners could manage the most sensitive government portfolios.
Third, northern MPs filled parliamentary benches in numbers that reflected the region’s political maturity. Northern MPs served as Majority Leader, Minority Chief Whip, and committee chairs. Their presence was no longer exceptional; it was normal.
Fourth, the transition from Mills to Mahama demonstrated the resilience of Ghana’s democratic institutions. The constitutional succession was smooth, and the 2012 election was peaceful. Northerners had shown that they could lead the nation through periods of transition and uncertainty.
Yet the Mahama years also saw economic challenges. The global commodity price downturn, energy crises, and fiscal pressures affected all Ghanaians, including northerners. Infrastructure development in the north remained uneven. However, the foundation for northern political achievement was firmly established.
Looking Ahead: The Akufo-Addo Years and Bawumia as Vice President
The NDC lost the 2016 elections to the NPP’s Nana Akufo-Addo. John Dramani Mahama completed his term and handed over power peacefully on 7 January 2017. Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia—a northerner from the Northern Region—as his Vice President. Bawumia, son of Northern People’s Party founder Mumuni Bawumia, became the third northerner to hold the vice presidency.
In Part Twelve of our series, we will explore the Akufo-Addo Years (2017–2025) —Bawumia as Vice President and the northern MPs and ministers who served in an NPP government.
Join us for Part Twelve: The Akufo-Addo Years (2017–2025) – Bawumia as Vice President.
Key Figures of the Mills and Mahama Era (2009–2017)
| Name | Role(s) | Period | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Dramani Mahama | Vice President (2009–2012); President (2012–2017) | 2009–2017 | First elected northern President of Ghana |
| Alban Sumana Bagbin | Minister for Water Resources (2010–2012); Minister for Health (2012–2013, 2013–2014); Minister for Water Resources (2014–2017); Majority Leader (2014–2017) | 2009–2017 | Later Speaker of Parliament (2021–present) |
| Benjamin Kunbuor | Minister for Interior (2011–2012); Minister for Defence (2013–2014); Attorney General and Minister for Justice (2014–2017) | 2009–2017 | Senior northern minister across multiple portfolios |
| Cletus Apul Avoka | Minister for Interior (2009–2010); Majority Leader (2013–2014); Minister for Lands and Natural Resources | 2009–2017 | Longest-serving MP; from Upper East Region |
| Haruna Iddrisu | Minister for Communications (2009–2013); Minister for Trade and Industry (2013–2014); Minister for Employment and Labour Relations (2014–2017) | 2009–2017 | MP for Tamale South; later Education Minister |
| Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni | Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration | 2009–2012 | Senior diplomat; later Minister for Foreign Affairs |
| Mark Woyongo | Upper East Regional Minister (2009–2012); Minister for Defence (2013–2014); Minister for Interior (2014–2017) | 2009–2017 | From Upper East Region |
| Mahama Ayariga | Minister for Information and Media Relations | 2013–2017 | MP for Bawku Central; succeeded Hawa Yakubu (died 2007) |
| Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo | Minister of State at Presidency (Public-Private Partnerships) | 2013–2017 | MP for Wa Central |
| Mohammed Amin Adam | Deputy Minister for Energy and Petroleum | 2013–2017 | MP for Karaga (NPP); later Finance Minister |
