Today marks 16 years since the passing of Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, a renowned Ghanaian politician and former Finance Minister. Born in 1952 in Asante Akim Agogo, Baah-Wiredu left an indelible mark on Ghana’s politics and economy.
Baah-Wiredu’s academic journey began at Kumasi High School, where he completed his secondary education in 1972. He then proceeded to Prempeh College for his sixth form education and later graduated from the University of Ghana with a degree in Administration, specializing in Accounting.
Before venturing into politics, Baah-Wiredu worked with Ghana Airways and the Volta River Authority. He was also a partner at Asante Wiredu and Associates, an accounting firm. His political career took off in 1997 when he became the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, a position he held until his untimely death in 2008.
Under President John Kufuor’s government, Baah-Wiredu served as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development from 2001 to 2003 and Minister for Education, Youth, and Sports from 2003 to 2005. In 2005, he became the Finance and Economic Planning Minister, making history as the first Finance Minister to present the country’s Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament before the start of the fiscal year.
Baah-Wiredu’s contributions to Ghana’s development were recognized internationally. He was voted Africa’s Best Finance Minister for 2008. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of Ghanaian politicians and economists.
Baah-Wiredu was married with six children. He passed away on September 24, 2008, in South Africa, where he was receiving medical treatment for a short illness.
As we reflect on Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu’s life and achievements, we honor his memory and contributions to Ghana’s growth and development.
