Honourable Fatimatu Abubakar, the newly appointed Minister of Information in Ghana, is establishing herself as a dynamic and influential presence in the country’s political realm. President Akufo-Addo recently elevated her from the position of Deputy Information Minister, which she held for a span of three years, to head the Ministry of Information reflecting her exceptional commitment and proficiency, traits that have been hallmarks of her career since its inception. Born in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Fatimatu Abubakar’s journey to political prominence began early. She attended Bokrom M.A. Junior High School and Kumasi Academy Senior High School, where she held leadership roles including head girl and Student Representative Council (SRC) Organising Secretary.
Her academic prowess and leadership qualities were evident as she progressed to the University of Ghana, earning degrees in Psychology, English Language, and Law. While at the University of Ghana, Fatimatu served as Vice President of Akuafo Hall Junior Common Room and Chairperson of the SRC Week Planning Committee. Her involvement in student politics extended to her membership in the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON), the student wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Her participation in athletics, including volleyball, football, and handball, showcased her diverse talents and commitment to excellence.
Fatimatu’s political career took off in January 2017 when she was appointed Deputy Communications Director at the Office of the President, Jubilee House, Accra. Before this, she worked at Lansdown Resort and SRM Engineering Limited. Her role as a campaign aide to then-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2016 and 2020 general elections further cemented her reputation as a dedicated and effective political operative. Fatimatu’s legal acumen came to the forefront during the 2020 Presidential Election Petition, where she was part of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s legal team.
Despite still being under pupillage at Marfo & Associates, she played a crucial role in communicating complex court proceedings to the Ghanaian public, particularly in the Twi language, earning widespread admiration for her clarity and poise. Her appointment as Deputy Minister of Information at just 34 marked the beginning of a new era. Fatimatu’s ability to articulate coherent arguments and engage in heated political debates with decorum has set her apart in a landscape often marred by indecent language and insults. Her Islamic values and cultural awareness, combined with her diplomatic approach, have won her admirers across the political spectrum.
At her vetting for the Information Minister position, Fatimatu impressed with her composed and articulate responses, even drawing compliments from usually critical opposition members. Her appointment as a board member of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited further highlights her expanding influence.
