Samuel Awuku

Samuel Awuku (Sammi Awuku)born on 10^th April, 1984 is a Ghanaian politician who was Deputy Communications Director and currently National Youth Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Sammi, as he is affectionately called identifies as a champion of positive youth activism, and has been associated with major youth mobilisation efforts in politics in Ghana and beyond.

Born in Koforidua in the Eastern Region of Ghana to a middle-class parents, He was educated at St. Augustines College, Cape Coast and later went ahead to read Political Science and Psychology at University of Ghana. From 2011 to 2013, he worked at the Communications Directorate of the New Patriotic Party, assisting then Director of Communications, Nana Akomea, before his election as National Youth Organiser in April 2014.

POLITICAL CAREER

Becoming the National Youth Organiser in 2014, he served in the opposition. Sammi sought to rebrand youth involvement in politics, embracing an increasingly socially vibrant position that saw a massive mobilisation of the youth towards the 2016 general elections.

He shot himself into another level prominence when some commentary he made on the 2012 Election Petition hearing at the Supreme Court of Ghana had him charged with contempt of the highest court of the land. He was pardon after pleading guilty and showing remorse. The general population saw him as a sincere man who will accept and admit his short comings making efforts to correct them. A trait the citizenry says most public office holder’s lack.

His involvement in national politics introduced large-scale changes to welfare of the youth in executive positions in the NPP (who largely constituted the grassroots).

He became an icon and a shining example of excellent youth leadership internationally. His era saw major changes in the NPP’s electioneering strategy going into the 2016 general elections being geared largely towards youth mobilization, sensitization and empowerment.)

After the NPP secured a victory with an astonishing majority in the 2016 general elections, he was appointed the Board Chairman of the National Youth Employment Agency.

Sammi has been praised for energising the youth in Ghanaian politics and within the NPP. Contrariwise, he has been criticised by opposition figures for being overly vibrant.

FAMILY

Sammi who is the only son and last of his parents, was born and raised in Koforidua, Eastern Region. He has four sisters.

EDUCATION

From the age of six, Sammi was enrolled at Nana Kwaku Boateng Memorial School for primary education and junior high education. He continued his secondary education at St. Augustines College in Cape Coast where he also passed his  Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations(SSSCE) with distinction. He gained admission to study Political Science and Psychology at the University of Ghana.

While at University of Ghana, Sammi was a member of the political community, contesting for the presidency of the Student Representative Council, an election which has a reputation for churning out future politicians and civic leaders.

After he completed National Service as a Monitoring Assistant at Ghana School Feeding Programme, he was offered an opportunity to work with the NPP due to his communication aptitudes and the ease at which he connects and understands people from all walks of life.  

Sammi wields a Diploma in Law from the University of London and is also currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Relations at the Freie University in Germany

EARLY POLITICAL CAREER

Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG)

He played a pertinent role as Director of Operations at Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), a pressure group that sought to advocate for accountability in governance to positively influence public opinion and governmental policy. During this period, Sammy became the Deputy Communications Directorate for NPP.

Sammi was appointed to the NPP’s Communications Directorate as Deputy Communications Director between June 2009 and September 2010. As Deputy Director of Communications, Sammi was responsible for managing and directing NPP’s internal and external communications, deputising Nana Akomea, Director of Communications. He supervised NPP radio and TV communicators, and created communication strategies, that helped push NPP into government in 2016.

IN OFFICE

National Youth Organiser, 2014–2018

Upon his election to the office of the office of Youth Organiser of the NPP, Sammi untiringly attempted to increase his public visibility to push the agenda of youth mobilization, and also to secure a landslide victory for his party. He is always available to dissect matters of public controversy.

2016 GENERAL ELECTION

The NPP had lost the 2012 election whose outcome was challenged in the Supreme Court. The general election of 2016 resulted in the NPP’s victory, thanks to the electoral reforms ordered by the Supreme Court. Sammi became much visible in Ghanaian politics at this time, when he mobilised young voters to massively turn out at the polls. As a trusted youth leader, he represented the voice of the youth in Ghana, leading several electioneering press conferences by the NPP.

POLITICAL IMAGE

Global Youth Icon

While Youth Leader of the NPP, Sammi has been hailed as a charismatic yet gentle young adult relying on his organising ability and strong emotional intelligence, with strong affability and calmness.

He has since been a guest at several international forums. He is the immediate vice Chairman of the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU); an association of the youth wings of conservative parties across the world. Sammi’s diligence and contribution to the Union earned him a re-election in July 2015 after his first tenure between June 2014 and June 2015. He is also an alumni of the American Council for Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) a program which provides opportunities to strengthen the participant’s personal leadership skills and enhance their understanding of international relations. In august 2014, he was named by the Paris based African Report magazine as 50 top rising African stars. Mr. Awuku is also a fellow of Chinese Academy of Governance.

VOLUNTEERISM

He was also a volunteer on the ‘’Three Square Meals’’ Project for Akwapim North District in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

PERSONAL LIFE

Family

Sammi is married to Mary Anane , with two daughters.