In the political landscape of Ghana, few individuals have demonstrated the level of dedication and service to their communities as Zuweira Lariba Abudu. Born on May 12, 1966, in Janga-Fio, a town in the North East Region of Ghana, she has risen through the ranks to become a prominent figure in the nation’s political scene. Her journey from an educationist to a Member of Parliament and a Minister reflects a deep commitment to public service and the betterment of her people.
Early Life and Education
Lariba Abudu hails from a family deeply rooted in education and leadership. Her mother, Mrs. Abudu, was an educationist, and her father was a chief of the Fio Traditional Area. This background instilled in her the values of education and leadership from a young age. She began her educational journey at the Walewale Middle School in 1974, laying the foundation for her academic pursuits. Her commitment to education led her to pursue higher studies, culminating in a Master’s degree in Leadership and Development in 2015. Additionally, she obtained a degree in Special Education in 2004, equipping her with the skills to address diverse educational needs.
Professional Background
Before venturing into the political arena, Lariba Abudu built a career in education and public service. Her early experiences as an educationist provided her with insights into the challenges and opportunities within the educational sector. In 2018, she was appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority, a position that allowed her to contribute to the development of the northern regions of Ghana. Her work in this capacity demonstrated her ability to manage large-scale projects and collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve developmental goals.
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Lariba Abudu’s foray into politics was marked by her determination to bring about positive change in her community. In the 2020 Ghanaian general elections, she contested the Walewale parliamentary seat under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and emerged victorious. She secured 32,294 votes, representing 51.21% of the total votes cast, defeating her opponents Abdallah Abubakari of the National Democratic Congress and Ibrahim Mubarak of the National Democratic Party. Her victory was significant, as she unseated the incumbent Member of Parliament, Dr. Sagre Bambangi, in the party’s parliamentary primaries.
Ministerial Appointment
In August 2022, President Nana Akufo-Addo nominated Lariba Abudu as the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, succeeding Sarah Adwoa Safo. After undergoing vetting, she was approved by Parliament on December 22, 2022, and officially assumed office. During her tenure, she focused on issues related to women’s empowerment, child protection, and social welfare, striving to create policies that would uplift marginalized groups in society.
Withdrawal from Parliamentary Race
In a surprising turn of events, Lariba Abudu announced her withdrawal from the 2024 parliamentary primaries for the Walewale Constituency. This decision came after a re-run of the primaries ended inconclusively due to an incident that prevented the Electoral Commission from declaring the final results. Citing her desire to promote peace, unity, and the greater good of the party in the constituency, she formally stepped down as a candidate for the upcoming general election.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional and political endeavors, Lariba Abudu is a family-oriented individual. She is married and blessed with three children, balancing her personal life with her demanding public service roles. Her family has been a source of support throughout her career, providing her with the strength to navigate the challenges of public life.
Legacy and Impact
Lariba Abudu’s contributions to Ghana’s political landscape are noteworthy. As a Member of Parliament, she worked diligently to represent the interests of her constituents, advocating for policies that addressed their needs and concerns. Her tenure as Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection was marked by efforts to improve the welfare of women and children, sectors that are often underrepresented in policy discussions. Her withdrawal from the 2024 parliamentary race, while unexpected, was a testament to her commitment to the unity and progress of her party and constituency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Zuweira Lariba Abudu?
Zuweira Lariba Abudu is a Ghanaian politician and former Member of Parliament for the Walewale Constituency. She also served as the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
2. What is her educational background?
She holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Development (2015) and a degree in Special Education (2004).
3. What was her role in the Northern Development Authority?
She served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority, contributing to the development of northern Ghana.
4. When did she become a Member of Parliament?
She was elected as the Member of Parliament for Walewale in the 2020 general elections.
5. What initiatives did she undertake as Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection?
She focused on policies aimed at empowering women, protecting children, and addressing social welfare issues.
6. Why did she withdraw from the 2024 parliamentary race?
She withdrew to promote peace and unity within her party and constituency.
7. What is her family background?
She is married with three children.
8. How has she impacted her community?
Through her roles, she has advocated for policies that address the needs of women, children, and marginalized groups.
9. What are her future plans?
While specific plans are not publicly known, she remains committed to serving her community and contributing to national development.
10. How can the public learn more about her work?
Updates on her activities and initiatives are often shared through official government channels and media outlets.