Culture & Heritage
Kufuor Years – Aliu Mahama as First Northern Vice President (2001–2009)
Kufuor’s years in Northern Ghana marked a historic milestone in the region’s political journey. On 7 January 2001, Alhaji Aliu Mahama—an engineer and businessman from Yendi in the Northern Region—was sworn in as Vice President of Ghana, becoming the first northerner to hold the nation’s second-highest office. His election, alongside President John Agyekum Kufuor, also made him Ghana’s first Muslim Vice President. For eight years, northerners served at the highest levels of the Kufuor administration, while a new generation of northern MPs filled the parliamentary benches. Their work demonstrated that northern political engagement had matured beyond regional advocacy to full participation in national governance.
Table of contents
- The Historic Election of 2000 won by Kufour
- Alhaji Aliu Mahama: The First Northern Vice President
- Northern MPs in the Third Parliament (2001–2005)
- Northern MPs in the Fourth Parliament (2005–2009)
- Northerners in the Kufuor Cabinet
- Northern Regional Ministers and Local Administration
- Legacy of the Kufuor Years for Northern Ghana
- Looking Ahead: The Mills and Mahama Era
- Key Figures of the Kufuor Years (2001–2009)
This is Part Ten 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).
Now, Part Ten turns to the Kufuor administration—the first time an opposition party peacefully took over from an incumbent government in Ghana’s history—and the northerners who served during this transformative era.
The Historic Election of 2000 won by Kufour
The 2000 presidential election was a watershed moment in Ghanaian democracy. For the first time since independence, an incumbent government peacefully transferred power to an opposition party through the ballot box. John Agyekum Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) defeated the NDC’s John Atta Mills in a second-round run-off on 28 December 2000 and was sworn in on 7 January 2001.
Kufuor chose Alhaji Aliu Mahama as his running mate—a decision that recognized the importance of northern support to the NPP’s electoral coalition. Mahama, a civil engineer and businessman from Yendi, brought technical expertise, regional credibility, and a reputation for integrity. His selection signaled that the NPP was committed to inclusive governance and that northerners could aspire to the highest offices in the land.
The parliamentary election held alongside the presidential poll produced a significant northern contingent in the Third Parliament of the Fourth Republic. The NPP made substantial gains across the north, though the NDC retained several constituencies.
Alhaji Aliu Mahama: The First Northern Vice President
Alhaji Aliu Mahama was born on 3 March 1946 in Yendi, Northern Region. An ethnic Dagomba, he studied at the Government Secondary School in Tamale (1960–1967) and earned a B.Sc. in Building Technology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi (1967–1971). He also obtained certificates in Project Planning and Management and Leadership from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
Mahama began his career at the Bolgatanga regional office of the State Construction Corporation as an Engineer/Construction from 1972 to 1975. He was promoted to Assistant Regional Manager and posted to Koforidua (1975–1976), and later became Regional Manager for the Northern Region, based in Tamale, from June 1976 to August 1982. In 1982, he established his own civil engineering and general contracting business.
As Vice President from 7 January 2001 to 7 January 2009, Mahama served alongside President Kufuor for two full terms. He was Ghana’s first Muslim Vice President. His tenure was marked by his focus on infrastructure development, youth employment, and the promotion of northern interests within the national agenda. He was known for his humility, accessibility, and dedication to public service.
Mahama passed away on 16 November 2012 at the age of 66. His legacy as the first Northern Vice President remains a milestone in the region’s political history.
Northern MPs in the Third Parliament (2001–2005)
The 2000 parliamentary election returned a diverse group of northern MPs. Below are the known MPs from the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions, as documented in the official parliamentary record.
Northern Region MPs (2001–2005)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bimbilla | Mohamed Ibn Chambas | NDC | Later ECOWAS President |
| Bole | John Dramani Mahama | NDC | Future President of Ghana |
| Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo | Joseph Yaani Labik | NDC | |
| Chereponi | Mohammed Seidu Abah | NDC | Served 2001–2005 |
| Gushiegu/Karaga | Iddrisu Huudu | NDC | Served 2001–2005 |
| Mion | Adams Ebenezer Mahama | NDC | Served 2001–2005 |
| Nalerigu | Ben Baluri Saibu | NDC | MP for Walewale (1993–2001) |
| Saboba | Bukari Moses Mabengba | NDC | |
| Savelugu | Abubakar Alhassan MacNamara | NDC | |
| Tamale Central | Inusah Fuseini | NDC | Elected in 2006 by-election |
| Tolon | Wahabi Alhassan | NDC | |
| Walewale | Alhaji Issifu Azumah | NDC | Served 2001–2005 |
| Wulensi | Amidu Seidu | NDC | |
| Yendi | Alhaji Imoro Salifu | NDC | Veteran politician |
Upper East Region MPs (2001–2005)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bawku Central | Hawa Yakubu | NPP | Former independent MP; later Tourism Minister |
| Bawku West | Cletus Apul Avoka | NDC | Longest-serving MP; later Interior Minister |
| Bolgatanga | Akake Patrick | NDC | |
| Bongo | Gaaga Akayeri Azitariga | NDC | |
| Builsa North | Sylvester Azantilow | NDC | |
| Builsa South | Norbert Garko Awulley | NDC | |
| Chiana/Paga | Dr. Stephen Ayidaya | NDC | |
| Garu/Tempane | Dominic Azimbe Azumah | NDC | |
| Navrongo Central | Clement Tumfuga Bugase | NDC | Succeeded Godfrey Abulu (1995) |
| Talensi | John Akologu Tia | NDC |
Upper West Region MPs (2001–2005)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jirapa | Francis Gyafiiry Korbieh | NDC | |
| Lambussie | Jacob Bawiine Boon | NDC | |
| Lawra/Nandom | Ken Meyir Kunfah | NDC | |
| Nadowli North | Alban Sumana Bagbin | NDC | Later Speaker of Parliament |
| Nadowli South | Emmanuel Zumakpeh | NDC | |
| Sissala East | Alhaji Amidu Sulemana | NDC | |
| Sissala West | Haruna Bayor | NDC | |
| Wa Central | Mumuni Abudu Seidu | NDC | |
| Wa East | Issaku Saliah | NDC | |
| Wa West | Amidu Suleman | NDC |
Notable among these MPs was Mohamed Ibn Chambas (Bimbilla), who later became President of the ECOWAS Commission. John Dramani Mahama (Bole) would become Vice President and later President of Ghana. Alban Bagbin (Nadowli North) continued his rise to become Speaker of Parliament. Hawa Yakubu (Bawku Central) was the only NPP MP from the northern regions and would later serve as Tourism Minister.
Northern MPs in the Fourth Parliament (2005–2009)
The 2004 parliamentary election, held alongside President Kufuor’s re-election, saw the NPP strengthen its position nationally. Northern representation continued with a mix of NPP and NDC MPs.
Northern Region MPs (2005–2009)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bimbilla | Dominic Nitiwul | NPP | First elected 2004; later Defence Minister |
| Bole | John Dramani Mahama | NDC | Future President of Ghana |
| Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo | Joseph Yaani Labik | NDC | |
| Chereponi | Mohammed Seidu Abah | NDC | |
| Gushiegu/Karaga | Iddrisu Huudu | NDC | |
| Kpandai | Likpalimor Kwajo Tawiah | NDC | |
| Mion | Adams Ebenezer Mahama | NDC | |
| Nalerigu | Ben Baluri Saibu | NDC | |
| Saboba | Bukari Moses Mabengba | NDC | |
| Savelugu | Abubakar Alhassan MacNamara | NDC | |
| Tamale Central | Inusah Fuseini | NDC | Elected in 2006 by-election |
| Tamale South | Haruna Iddrisu | NDC | First elected 2005; later Minority Leader |
| Tolon | Wahabi Alhassan | NDC | |
| Walewale | Alhaji Issifu Azumah | NDC | |
| Wulensi | Amidu Seidu | NDC | |
| Yendi | Alhaji Imoro Salifu | NDC |
Upper East Region MPs (2005–2009)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bawku Central | Mahama Ayariga | NDC | First elected 2005; later Minister of Information |
| Bawku West | Cletus Apul Avoka | NDC | Longest-serving MP |
| Bolgatanga | David Apasera | NDC | First elected 2005 |
| Bongo | Albert Akuka Alalzuuga | NDC | First elected 2005 |
| Builsa North | Sylvester Azantilow | NDC | |
| Builsa South | Norbert Garko Awulley | NDC | |
| Chiana/Paga | Rudolf Amenga-Etego | NDC | First elected 2005 |
| Garu/Tempane | Dominic Azimbe Azumah | NDC | |
| Navrongo Central | Clement Tumfuga Bugase | NDC | |
| Talensi | John Akologu Tia | NDC |
Upper West Region MPs (2005–2009)
| Constituency | Elected MP | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jirapa | Francis Gyafiiry Korbieh | NDC | |
| Lambussie | Jacob Bawiine Boon | NDC | |
| Lawra/Nandom | Ken Meyir Kunfah | NDC | |
| Nadowli North | Alban Sumana Bagbin | NDC | Later Speaker of Parliament |
| Nadowli South | Emmanuel Zumakpeh | NDC | |
| Sissala East | Alhaji Amidu Sulemana | NDC | |
| Sissala West | Haruna Bayor | NDC | |
| Wa Central | Mumuni Abudu Seidu | NDC | |
| Wa East | Issaku Saliah | NDC | |
| Wa West | Amidu Suleman | NDC |
Notable new MPs: Dominic Nitiwul (Bimbilla) was first elected in 2004 and later served as Defense Minister. Haruna Iddrisu (Tamale South) was first elected in 2005 and would later become Minority Leader and Minister for Education. Mahama Ayariga (Bawku Central) was first elected in 2005 and would later serve as Minister of Information.
Northerners in the Kufuor Cabinet
President Kufuor appointed several northerners to senior ministerial positions. Copy the
Northerners in the Kufuor Cabinet (2001–2009)
| Name | Portfolio | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alhaji Aliu Mahama | Vice President | 2001–2009 | First northern Vice President; served two terms |
| Hajia Alima Mahama | Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs | 2005–2009 | First northern woman minister; from Walewale |
| Boniface Abubakar Saddique | Minister for Manpower, Youth and Employment (2005–2007); later Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing | 2005–2009 | MP for Walewale; from Northern Region |
| Hawa Yakubu | Minister for Tourism | 2001–2007 | MP for Bawku Central; from Upper East Region |
| Prince Imoru Andani | Northern Regional Minister | 2001–2005 | First Northern Regional Minister under Kufuor |
| Ben Salifu | Northern Regional Minister | 2005–2009 | Succeeded Prince Imoru Andani |
| Salifu Mahama | Upper East Regional Minister | 2001–2009 | Administered Upper East Region |
| Koktar Sahanoon | Upper West Regional Minister | 2001–2009 | Administered Upper West Region |
| Mohammed Amin Adam | Deputy Northern Regional Minister | 2005–2009 | Later Finance Minister; MP for Karaga |
Hajia Alima Mahama was the first northern woman to serve as a minister. Born on 17 November 1957 in Walewale, North East Region, she served as Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs from January 2005 to January 2009. She would later serve as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development (2017–2021) and as Ghana’s first female ambassador to the United States (2021–2025).
Boniface Abubakar Saddique (born 14 November 1960) served as Minister for Manpower, Youth and Employment from 2005 to 2007 and later as Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing.
Hawa Yakubu (24 March 1948 – 19 March 2007) served as Minister for Tourism under President Kufuor. She had been an independent MP for Bawku Central in 1992 and an NPP MP from 1996. She passed away in office in 2007.
Northern Regional Ministers and Local Administration
The Northern, Upper East, and Upper West Regions each had Regional Ministers appointed by President Kufuor.
Northern Regional Ministers and Local Administration (2001–2009)
| Region | Regional Minister | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Region | Prince Imoru Andani | 2001–2005 | First Northern Regional Minister under Kufuor |
| Northern Region | Ben Salifu | 2005–2009 | Succeeded Prince Imoru Andani |
| Upper East Region | Salifu Mahama | 2001–2009 | Administered Upper East Region |
| Upper West Region | Koktar Sahanoon | 2001–2009 | Administered Upper West Region |
These regional ministers were responsible for implementing national policies at the regional level, coordinating development projects, and maintaining security.
Legacy of the Kufuor Years for Northern Ghana
The Kufuor administration left a significant legacy for Northern Ghana. First, Alhaji Aliu Mahama’s vice presidency shattered the barrier that had prevented northerners from reaching the second-highest office in the land. His two terms demonstrated that northerners could serve with distinction at the highest levels of national governance.
Second, northerners held key ministerial positions—Women and Children’s Affairs, Manpower and Employment, Tourism, and Regional Minister roles. These appointments ensured that northern perspectives were represented in the cabinet and that northern development remained on the national agenda.
Third, a new generation of northern MPs—Dominic Nitiwul, Haruna Iddrisu, Mahama Ayariga, and others—gained national experience that would serve them in later decades. Many would go on to become ministers, minority leaders, and even presidents.
Fourth, the peaceful transition of power from the NDC to the NPP in 2001 demonstrated that Ghana’s democracy was maturing. Northern politicians from both parties participated in this transition, proving that northerners could thrive in government and in opposition.
Yet the Kufuor years also saw continued economic challenges. The “Golden Age of Business” brought economic growth but also inequality. The north remained the poorest region, and infrastructure development lagged behind the south. However, the foundation for future northern political achievement was firmly established.
Looking Ahead: The Mills and Mahama Era
The NPP lost the 2008 elections to the NDC’s John Atta Mills. Alhaji Aliu Mahama completed his second term and was succeeded by John Dramani Mahama—the first northerner to become Vice President under an NDC government and later President.
In Part Eleven of our series, we will explore the Mills/Mahama Era (2009–2017) —John Atta Mills’ presidency, John Dramani Mahama’s historic rise to the presidency, and the northern politicians who served during this period.
Join us for Part Eleven: The Mills/Mahama Era (2009–2017) – Northern Leadership at the Highest Level.
Key Figures of the Kufuor Years (2001–2009)
| Name | Role(s) | Period | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alhaji Aliu Mahama | Vice President | 2001–2009 | First northern Vice President; first Muslim Vice President |
| Hajia Alima Mahama | Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs | 2005–2009 | First northern woman minister; later Ambassador to US |
| Boniface Abubakar Saddique | Minister for Manpower, Youth and Employment (2005–2007); Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing (2007–2009) | 2005–2009 | Long-serving northern minister |
| Hawa Yakubu | Minister for Tourism | 2001–2007 | MP for Bawku Central; died in office 2007 |
| Dominic Nitiwul | MP for Bimbilla | 2005–2009 | Later Defence Minister |
| Haruna Iddrisu | MP for Tamale South | 2005–2009 | First elected 2005; later Minority Leader |
| Mahama Ayariga | MP for Bawku Central | 2005–2009 | Later Minister of Information |
| Prince Imoru Andani | Northern Regional Minister | 2001–2005 | Regional administration |
| Ben Salifu | Northern Regional Minister | 2005–2009 | Regional administration |
| Mohammed Amin Adam | Deputy Northern Regional Minister | 2005–2009 | Later Finance Minister; MP for Karaga |
