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His political journey is marked by a deep commitment to public service, and he has held various important positions within the Ghanaian government. Ablakwa's life and career are emblematic of dedication to education, politics, and public welfare.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa hails from Aveyime-Battor in the Volta Region of Ghana. He received his early education at the Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School in Legon, where he also served as the Vice President of the Scripture Union.
His commitment to education continued as he pursued his higher studies. Ablakwa attended the University of Ghana, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy between 2002 and 2006. He furthered his academic pursuits at the University of Leicester, obtaining a Master of Arts in Communication Media and Public Relations.
Ablakwa's quest for knowledge didn't stop there. He holds a certificate in Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Governance in the United States. He also holds a Master of Science in Defense and International Politics from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is an active member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His political involvement began at an early age when he served as the President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) from 2005 to 2006 while he was a student at the University of Ghana.
He was also instrumental in drafting the youth policies for the NDC's manifesto during the 2008 campaign.
Additionally, Ablakwa was a member of the Committee for Joint Action (CJA), a pro-masses pressure group, showcasing his dedication to social and political issues. He is also recognized as an Accredited Member (APR) of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) in Ghana.
Ablakwa's entry into parliamentary politics was marked by a victory at the age of 28 when he contested for the North Tongu parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NDC in 2008.
He secured a resounding 78.6% of the votes, reflecting his widespread popularity. He continued to serve his constituency, winning the seat with an even larger margin, representing 90.5% of the votes cast in the 2012 elections.
Remarkably, he retained his seat in the 2016 elections, despite his party losing the Presidential Elections. He has been a part of the appointments committee for two terms, in 2017 and 2021, and is currently the Ranking Member of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.
Ablakwa's service to the nation extends beyond his role as a Member of Parliament. He was an integral part of then-candidate John Evans Atta Mills' Campaign Communication Team and was appointed as Deputy Minister for Information during the presidency of the late John Atta Mills.
He also served as Deputy Minister for Education in charge of Tertiary Education under the administration of then Minister of Education, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, during the John Dramani Mahama government.
In August 2023, Ablakwa announced plans for a massive demonstration in Ghana, named the 'Enough of the Looting Demo,' indicating his continuous dedication to addressing important social and political issues.
Ablakwa has been recognized with several awards, demonstrating his outstanding contributions to society. These accolades include the TNG Corporate Excellence Awards in Accra in 2010, the title of Outstanding Youth Leader in West Africa by the West Africa Students' Union (WASU) in Kaduna, Nigeria in 2009, and the Special Alumnus Award by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in 2009. He has also been honoured by various traditional councils and educational institutions.
In addition to his political career, Ablakwa has held several positions, including Deputy Minister of Information from 2009 to 2013 and Deputy Minister of Education from 2013 to 2016. He also served as the Managing Director of Saavi Solutions from 2007 to 2009 and currently chairs the Board of Trustees at Ghana Christian International High School.
On a personal note, Ablakwa is married to Nuhela Seidu, and they have a daughter and a son. He is a devoted Christian, and his uncle, Sam Okudzeto, is the founder of Sena Chartered Secretaries Limited.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has demonstrated his commitment to education and social welfare by granting a full scholarship to Samelia Mekporsigbe, an 8-year-old student from Battor DA Primary School. Samelia earned the scholarship by emerging as the overall best student in the 2022 Volta Regional Competition organized by USAID Learning Initiative.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa's life and career exemplify a dedication to education, public service, and a strong commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the people of Ghana.
His journey from a student leader to a respected Member of Parliament and government minister underscores his unwavering commitment to his country's development and progress.
Explore the life of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa below.
