Lukumanu Iddrisu
Lukumanu Iddrisu | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Vaasa City Council | |
| Assumed office June 1, 2025 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Tema, Ghana |
| Nationality | Ghanaian-Finnish |
| Political party | Social Democratic Party of Finland |
| Alma mater | Vaasa University of Applied Sciences; University of Vaasa |
| Occupation | HR Professional, Politician |
| Known for | First Ghanaian-elect municipal councilor in Finland |
Lukumanu Iddrisu is a Ghanaian-Finnish HR professional, academic, and politician.[1] In 2025, he became the first Ghanaian elected as a municipal councilor in Finland, representing the Social Democratic Party on the Vaasa City Council.[2]
Early life and education
Iddrisu was born in Tema, Ghana, and moved to Vaasa, Finland, in 2014 to pursue higher education. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in International Business from Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK), followed by a Master's degree in Strategic Business Development from the University of Vaasa. His master's thesis, titled "Employer Branding: Model for Employer Branding Practices in a Multinational Technology Company," was awarded Best Thesis in his program in 2022.[3][4]
Career
Upon arriving in Finland, Iddrisu began working as a cleaner while continuing his studies. Over time, he progressed into roles in human resources and project management. He has participated in initiatives aimed at supporting international students and job seekers in Finland, using his personal experiences to help others navigate Finnish society and pursue their career aspirations.[5]
Community involvement
Iddrisu has been involved in initiatives focused on community development and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in Vaasa and across Finland. He has contributed to projects supporting the integration of international residents into Finnish society and has participated in activities encouraging multicultural interaction.[6]
Awards and recognition
In 2021, Iddrisu was named the first-ever Alumnus of the Year by Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, becoming the first Ghanaian to receive this recognition in Finland.[7] The same year, he was recognized as the Best Summer Employee of the Year, an award highlighting his positive attitude and proactive approach in the workplace.[8] In 2022, Iddrisu's master's thesis was awarded Best Thesis in the Strategic Business Development program at the University of Vaasa.[4]
Political career
In the 2025 municipal elections, Iddrisu was elected to the Vaasa City Council with 288 votes, becoming the first individual of Ghanaian origin to hold the position in Finland. He is one of three councilors on the Vaasa City Council with an international background.[9][10]
References
- ^ "Iddrisu Lukumanu". SDP. 2025-03-15. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ "Lukumanu Iddrisu kuntavaaleissa 2025" [Lukumanu Iddrisu in the 2025 municipal elections]. yle.fi (in Finnish). Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ "Ghanaian Wins First Ever Alumnus of the Year Award in Finland". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ a b "Master's programme in strategic business development acknowledges Lukumanu Iddrisu's thesis as the best in 2022 | University of Vaasa". www.uwasa.fi. 2023-09-13. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ Ola-Morris, Jessie (2025-04-15). "Lukumanu Iddrissu: Man Makes History in Finland, Becomes First Ghanaian To Be Elected As Councillor - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ "Networking helped Lukumanu land his dream job in Finland". www.goodnewsfinland.com. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ "VAMKin vuoden alumni on yritteliäs Lukumanu Iddrisu". VAMK (in Finnish). 2021-10-06. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ "Wärtsilän trainee Lukumanu Iddrisu nimetty vuoden kesätyöntekijäksi ja Wärtsilälle kunniamaininta Vastuullinen kesätyö -kampanjassa". Finland (in Finnish). Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ "Nio av de invalda fullmäktigeledamöterna i Österbotten har utländsk bakgrund – Lukumanu Iddrisu är en av dem". Svenska Yle (in Swedish). 2025-04-16. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ "Meet Lukumanu Iddrisu, the first Ghanaian to become a municipal councilor in Finland". GhanaWeb. 2025-04-17. Archived from the original on 2025-04-18. Retrieved 2025-06-12.