Samira Bawumia is a prominent figure in Ghana, best known as the wife of the Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia. She has carved out her own identity through her educational achievements, philanthropic endeavors, and active participation in the political landscape. This article delves into her background, education, career, and contributions to Ghanaian society.
Samira Bawumia at the World Economic Forum on Africa 2017.
Education and Early Life
Bawumia began her early education at the Answarudeen Islamic School at Fadama and later moved to Alsyd Academy in Dzorwulu, Accra. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, with a focus on Law, Sociology, and Technology, from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
In March 2023, Bawumia announced on her Instagram handle with graduation photos that she had graduated from the University of London, UK with a Bachelor's degree in Law.
The Samira Empowerment & Humanitarian Projects (SEHP)
Samira Bawumia is the founder and CEO of the Samira Empowerment & Humanitarian Projects (SEHP), a not-for-profit organization established to empower the underprivileged in Ghana through diverse social intervention projects aimed at improving lives.
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The SEHP is also committed to empowering women. In November 2019, she donated library books to Police Basic Schools in the country to inculcate the habit of reading in children. This was an initiative of her 'Library in the box' project which has the objective of making books available to schools.
She also started the Samira Bawumia Literature Prize to encourage and honour writers and creatives between the ages of 15 and 25.
Winners of the Samira Bawumia Literature Prize.
Political Career
Samira Bawumia became prominent on the political scene when her husband, Mahamadu Bawumia, was the running mate of the candidate Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2016 election.
Since then she has been a constant feature, supporting her husband who following the electoral victory in that election and became the Vice President of Ghana. She gained widespread attention during the 2016 Ghanaian Parliamentary and Presidential election season.
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In 2021, Bawumia and the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, rejected new emoluments for Article 71 office holders which included the spouses of Vice-President and President of the Republic of Ghana.
Awards and Recognition
In 2019, she was acknowledged as the first of seven individuals honored by Sustainable Energy for All in conjunction with Ashden. At the 7th Annual Maternity Fundraising Gala of the Ghanaian Women Association of Georgia, Bawumia was honoured with three awards for her humanitarian activities and interventions.
Here is a table summarizing some of her notable awards and recognitions:
| Year | Award/Recognition | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Honoree | Sustainable Energy for All & Ashden |
| 2022 | Humanitarian Awards | Ghanaian Women Association of Georgia |
Personal Life
Bawumia is married to former Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia, and they have 4 children.
Samira Bawumia calls on all stakeholders to join women empowerment in Ghana
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