Supporters of Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu, have voiced strong opposition to his recent appointment as Minister of Education designate, alleging a deliberate plot to damage his political future.
Hours after the announcement, social media platforms, especially Facebook, were flooded with reactions, with many cautioning the seasoned politician against accepting the role.
While some congratulated him, others expressed deep skepticism, citing the current challenges in Ghana’s education sector.
Skepticism and Suspicions
Many critics argue that the appointment is a political maneuver to tarnish Haruna Iddrisu’s reputation, particularly as he is perceived as a strong contender for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer position in the future.
A Facebook post read:
“John Mahama has set Haruna Iddrisu up. When Free SHS fails, Haruna Iddrisu will be blamed, thwarting his chances of becoming the next NDC flagbearer.”
Another commenter stated:
“This is a calculated move to tarnish Haruna Iddrisu’s image. He’s presidential material with massive potential, and this appointment feels like a trap rather than a genuine call to serve. With the challenges in the education sector, he might become a scapegoat for all its failures.”
A History of Difficult Portfolios
Supporters also recalled Iddrisu’s previous appointment as Minister of Labour under former President Mahama, a tenure marked by frequent strikes and industrial unrest.
Some believe his new role as Minister of Education could lead to similar challenges, further complicating his political trajectory.
One post noted:
“Why is it that JM always assigns him to ministries plagued by strikes? During his tenure as Labour Minister, we saw endless industrial actions. Now, with education facing its own crises, this seems like another setup for failure.”
The Bigger Picture
The appointment comes at a time when Ghana’s education sector is grappling with issues such as teacher strikes, infrastructure deficits, and concerns over the sustainability of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
Analysts suggest that any misstep in addressing these challenges could have far-reaching implications for the appointee’s career.
Despite the backlash, Haruna Iddrisu has yet to comment on his acceptance or rejection of the appointment.
His supporters, however, continue to urge him to decline the role, emphasizing the risks to his reputation and political ambitions.