Haruna Esseku
Haruna Esseku (born 8 August 1934) is a Ghanaian politician; a minister of state in the second republic and a founding member of the New Patriotic Party.[1][2]
Haruna Esseku | |
---|---|
Member of the Ghana Parliament for Awutu-Effutu-Senya Constituency | |
In office 1969–1972 | |
Minister for Transport and Communications | |
In office 1969–1971 | |
President | Kofi Abrefa Busia |
Preceded by | J. Matthew Poku |
Succeeded by | Jatoe Kaleo |
Personal details | |
Born | Krobonshie, Senya Beraku | 8 August 1934
Citizenship | Ghanaian |
Alma mater | University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Accra Academy. |
Known for | New Patriotic Party Founding member |
Early years and education
Haruna Esseku was born in Krobonshie, Senya Beraku, in the Central Region.
He had his primary education at Senya Beraku Oma School and later proceeded to the Accra Academy, where he obtained his Cambridge school certificate. He attended the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and continued to the University of Ghana, Legon, as a Texaco scholar for a degree course in economics.
While at university he held the offices of President of the Commonwealth Hall Junior Common Room (JCR) in his second year and President of the Students' Representative Council (SRC) in his final year. He was also President of the International Association of Students in Science and Economics (AIESEC).[3]
Career
He begun his career teaching Chemistry at his alma mater; the Accra Academy in 1957. In 1958, he became the Higher Executive Officer in the office of the Government Statistician. He worked with the Pioneer Tobacco Company (British American Tobacco) in the marketing department as a sales promotion manager for the Brong Ahafo and the three northern regions. He also started his own business which has operated in transport, distribution and commerce. He also has interest in fishing and farming.[3]
Political career
His political career started in 1968 when he was elected by the Awutus, Effutus, Gomoas and Agonas to represent them in the constituency assembly during the drafting of the constitution of the second republic. The Progress Party was founded in 1969 and Haruna Esseku was one of the members. In the elections that took place on 29 August that year, Haruna Esseku was returned as a Member of Parliament for Awutu-Effutu-Senya Constituency. At 35 years, Haruna Esseku became the youngest Cabinet Minister in the Busia government, in charge of Transport and Communications; a ministry which by 2008 had been split into four Cabinet Ministries namely Transport; Communications, Civil Aviation and Railways and Harbours.
At the onset of the third republic he became a founding member of the Popular Front Party (PFP) and later a member of the steering committee of the party. In 1992 he was a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He became chairman of the New Patriotic Party from 2001 to 2005.[3][4][5]
Honours
Haruna Esseku is a beneficiary of the member of the Order of the Star of Ghana award, conferred on him by the then president John Agyekum Kufuor in 2007.
See also
References
- editor,"Haruna Esseku Says Sir John Is NPP’s Problem", ghana news, 10 September 2013.
- Boadu-Ayeboafoh, Yaw (3 October 2005). "Haruna Esseku to contest for NPP Chairmanship". Daily Graphic. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
- Safo, Margaret (17 December 2005). "Who takes the chair?". The Mirror. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
- Graphic,"Haruna Esseku - New NPP Chairman", ghanaweb, 26 August 2001.
- Boadu-Ayeboafoh, Yaw (3 October 2005). "Haruna Esseku to contest for NPP Chairmanship". Daily Graphic. Retrieved 23 August 2018.