Alhaji Iddrisu Mustapha: The Educated Professional Seeking to Bring Experience to NDC Leadership
By Our Political Desk
As the contest for the position of Western Regional Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) gathers momentum, the credentials and experience of aspirants are increasingly becoming subjects of public discussion.
One name attracting attention is Alhaji Iddrisu Mustapha (AIM), whose supporters say his combination of formal education, professional experience, international exposure and interest in energy and environmental sustainability makes him a strong contender for the position.
Alhaji Iddrisu Mustapha: The Educated Professional Seeking to Bring Experience to NDC Leadership
For Alhaji Mustapha, political participation has not come at the expense of education and professional development.
His academic journey stretches from basic education through senior high school, teacher training, university education and postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
A Journey Built on Education
Alhaji Mustapha began his basic education at Nuriya English and Arabic Basic School before proceeding to Business Senior Secondary School (BISCO), Tamale, where he obtained his Senior Secondary School Certificate between 1993 and 1995.
His commitment to education subsequently led him to the E.P. Training College, where he was trained as a professional teacher, completing his programme in 1999.
He later proceeded to the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where he obtained a Bachelor of Education in Social Sciences in 2007.
He majored in Management and minored in Accounting, graduating with Second Class Upper Division.
His academic journey subsequently took him outside Ghana to the United Kingdom, where he pursued a Master of Science in Energy Management (Oil and Gas Route) at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, graduating with merit in 2012.
His master’s research focused on the promotion of solar cooling technology in commercial and residential buildings in Ghana, with the broader objective of reducing dependence on the national electricity grid for building cooling.
That academic interest in energy, climate and sustainability has continued to influence his professional development.
Energy, Environment and Climate
Alhaji Mustapha’s interest in energy and environmental issues has seen him participate in several international academic and professional programmes.
In 2018, he participated in the International Summer School at the University of Oslo, Norway, where he obtained a certificate in Energy, Environment and Social Change.
He also completed a Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training Session and was subsequently trained as a Climate Reality Advocate in 2021 under the auspices of former United States Vice President and Climate Reality founder, Al Gore.
His professional development has also included an International Executive Development Programme in Communication Skills and Promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, organised by the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NIMSME) in Hyderabad, India.
Professional Experience
Beyond his academic credentials, Alhaji Mustapha has built professional experience spanning education, energy policy and the natural resources sector.
He currently serves as Principal Corporate Affairs Officer at the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), a position he assumed in May 2026.
Prior to this, he worked as an Energy Policy Analyst at the Energy Policy and Research Institute, a civil society organisation, from 2015 to 2022.
His earlier professional experience included serving as Deputy Regional Manager of Schools at the Islamic Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service from 2007 to 2012.
These experiences, his supporters argue, have given him exposure to public-sector administration, education, energy policy, communications, natural resources and stakeholder engagement.
International Exposure
Alhaji Mustapha’s professional and academic development has also taken him to a number of international conferences and programmes.
In 2025, he participated in the Global Conference on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Mitigation in Santa Clara, California, United States.
He also participated in the “Energy: Ensuring Africa Electrifies in a World of Shocks” programme organised by Unstoppable Africa, the Global Africa Business Initiative, as a side event of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He was also involved as coordinator/organiser of a high-level side event convened during the 80th UN General Assembly on “Unlocking Africa’s Financial Sovereignty: Strengthening African Financial Architecture in a New Global Order.”
Additionally, he participated in the 9th NYC Green School Conference, which focused on pupils, the planet, progress, partnerships and prosperity.
PhD Ambition
His academic aspirations, according to his profile, extend beyond the master’s level.
Alhaji Mustapha secured admission to pursue a PhD in Energy and Power at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.
However, the programme has reportedly been put on hold due to financial constraints.
His supporters see the pursuit of doctoral education as another indication of his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Education and Politics
The emerging campaign narrative around Alhaji Mustapha is therefore not simply about academic certificates.
It is about how education, professional experience and international exposure can be brought into political and organisational leadership.
His supporters contend that the modern political environment requires leaders who can combine grassroots engagement with an understanding of contemporary issues such as economic development, energy security, climate change, natural-resource governance, employment and sustainable development.
They believe his professional background in education, energy policy and corporate affairs provides him with a broad perspective that could contribute to the administration and organisational development of the NDC in the Western Region.
For Alhaji Mustapha, the message appears to be centred on service, competence and continuous development.
His campaign slogan
“People Servant,” together with “AIM4Power” and “The Obvious Choice,” seeks to project an image of a candidate who believes political leadership should be anchored in service to people.
As the NDC’s internal electoral process unfolds, delegates in the Western Region will ultimately determine which candidate has the experience, vision and organisational capacity they believe can best serve the party.
For his supporters, Alhaji Iddrisu Mustapha’s journey—from the classroom to higher education, energy policy, corporate affairs and international platforms—is evidence of a candidate who has consistently invested in knowledge and professional growth.
The question now is whether that experience and exposure will translate into the political leadership mandate he is seeking as Western Regional Vice Chairman of the NDC.
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