Hajia Shamima Muslim is a prominent Ghanaian broadcast journalist, gender advocate, and political appointee.

As of early 2025, she serves as the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson for President John Dramani Mahama.

Professional Background

An award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience, Hajia Shamima has worked with notable media outlets such as Citi FM and Metro TV.

She gained recognition for hosting the 2012 Vice-Presidential debate. Transitioning from the Communications team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to full-time politics in 2024, she has made significant strides in both journalism and political advocacy.

She is the Founder and Convener of the Alliance for Women in Media Africa (AWMA), an organisation dedicated to enhancing women's visibility in the media. Additionally, she specialises in development communications.

Leadership and Affiliations

In 2010, Hajia Shamima was selected as one of three Ghanaian representatives for President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), showcasing her commitment to leadership and development in Africa.

She is actively involved with various organisations, including the Ghana Right to Information Coalition, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, and the African Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA).

Early Life and Education

Hajia Shamima was born to Ismail Muslim, a successful businessman from the Upper West Region, and a mother who became a teacher and headmistress, making history as the first woman in her immediate family to attain higher education.

Growing up in an environment that valued community, service, and inclusion profoundly influenced her values.

She attended the Morning Star School in Accra and is an alumna of the University of Ghana, where she resided in Legon Hall starting in 2000.

It was during her time at university that she was inspired to pursue a career in media, particularly by the late journalist Komla Dumor.

She received leadership and facilitation training from the British Council, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation while balancing her advocacy work and law studies.

Media Career

Hajia Shamima's media journey began at Radio Univers during her university days, where she contributed to critical discussions on governance.

Initially facing criticism for having a "too soft" voice for morning radio, she ultimately found her niche by successfully hosting the afternoon current affairs show *Campaign Trail*, which featured live broadcasts and candidate debates.

Her program, Eyewitness News, won the CIMG Radio Program of the Year award in 2011, and she earned the title of Radio News Broadcaster of the Year.

As a long-time host of Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV, she has also appeared as a news panelist on TV Africa and co-moderated the 2012 Vice-Presidential Debate.

Current Role

As of late February 2026, Hajia Shamima continues to serve as the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, representing the government on national television, including addressing ECG unit depletion.

Having marked her first year in office in January 2026, she has reflected on her contributions to the Mahama administration's communication bureau.

Over the past year, she has played a crucial role in advocating for the government's "Reset Agenda" and communicating policy advancements, such as the 24-hour economy initiative.

Appointed on January 21, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama, she supports the Presidential Spokesperson in conveying government policies, programs, and initiatives to the public while enhancing communication strategies and public engagement.

Hajia Shamima views her transition to politics as a personal choice aimed at increasing women's participation in governance, maintaining her professional integrity by refraining from using her former media platform for political agendas.

Tenure

Hajia Shamima Muslim has been in her position as Deputy Presidential Spokesperson for 1 year and 1 month, officially appointed on January 21, 2025.

Personal Background

Hajia Shamima is a Muslim from the Wala ethnic group in the Upper West Region. She is married to Alhaji Uthman Al-Hassan Gbangu and has children. She celebrates her birthday on May 20. Her exact year of birth has not been publicly shared.

www.ghanaweb.com