Comprehensive look at Hajia Alima Mahama, a trailblazing Ghanaian lawyer born on 17th November 1957. Hajia Alima Mahama stands out as a pioneering leader—blending legal expertise, political acumen, and a lasting diplomatic legacy.
From her historic appointment as Ghana’s first female ambassador to the US, through her ministerial leadership and grassroots development work, she’s made strong impacts in governance, women’s rights, and decentralization.
Her determination continues as she counters current allegations, defending the integrity of embassy operations.
Early Life & Education
Born 17 November 1957, Walewale, North East Region, Ghana.
Completed secondary school at St. Francis Girls, Jirapa, then Wesley Girls High School, Cape Coast.
Earned a BA (Hons) in Law and Sociology from the University of Ghana and was called to the bar in 1982 after attending Ghana Law School.
Alima Mahama, holds an MA in Development Studies (specializing in regional development planning) from the Institute of Social Studies (The Hague). Completed postgraduate Fellowships in urban policy, women’s studies and development administration at Rutgers University, University of Ottawa, University of New Jersey, and as a Humphrey Fellow.
Political & Development Career
1987–2001: Senior Planner and Gender Development Coordinator, Northern Region Rural Integrated Program (NORRIP), in collaboration with Ghanaian and Canadian partners.
2001–2005: Deputy Minister roles in Trade & Industry and Local Government under President Kufuor
2005–2009: Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs under President Kufuor, championed the Domestic Violence Act, Human Trafficking Act, and maternal health reforms
2009–2011: Senior Technical Advisor on MDG3 (gender equality & women’s empowerment) in Liberia
2013–2021: Elected Member of Parliament for Nalerigu‑Gambaga (on NPP ticket), later serving from 2017 to 2021 as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, playing a key role in Ghana’s decentralization, local economic development policies, and digital registration reforms
Diplomatic Breakthrough
In June 2021, became Ghana’s first-ever female Ambassador to the United States, nominated by President Nana Akufo-Addo
Served until December 2024, elevating bilateral relations and advocating for gender equality and child welfare .
Trending News (June 2025)
1. Washington DC Courier Contract Controversy
Allegation: Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa claimed Ghana’s Washington embassy lost about GH₵4.8 million annually due to a courier contract tied to Fred Kwarteng’s company
Response: Hajia Mahama firmly denied any financial loss, stating the courier firm (GTC) handles visa/passport delivery fees paid by applicants, bearing all liability. She emphasized the embassy did not profit or incur costs. The Foreign Affairs Ministry is probing potential conflict-of-interest involving an embassy IT officer with ties to GTC.
