Young and beautiful Samira Ramadan Bawumia who took the top prize; the Professor Agyeman Badu Academic Scholarship Award at the Ghana Institute of Public Administration (GIMPA) 2012 graduation ceremony last Saturday says collective effort led to her success.

“Much as I put in a lot of hardwork, I benefitted tremendously from friends. Anytime I heard there was any discussion going on anywhere, I joined. I did not hesitate to approach my lecturers when I had any difficulty and they willingly helped.”

So at the graduation ceremony, a pleasantly surprised friend said to her: “you were following us to discussions to tap knowledge from us, eh” then she smiled.

Samira who was also adjudged the Best Student in Master of Business Administration (MBA) for Project Management said she never considered learning a chore, she enjoyed learning new things. She was attentive at lectures; did not sit for long hours to study but did productive studies.

“It is about knowing your capabilities and maximizing it,” she told the Spectator.

Knowing that she has a name to protect, she was motivated to work very hard.

According to her, the awards came to her as a pleasant surprise. “I knew I had made good grades of A’s and A+ throughout my course however, I did not know what others had gotten so I did not consider myself as the best. It was at the rehearsal for the graduation, two days to the occasion that a friend called to inform me that my name had been mentioned as an award winner.

The prize for the Overall Best Student Award with the highest Grade Point Aggregate (GPA) came with GH?1,000.00.

“I thank God for making this possible; my father for urging me to go back to school and my husband for giving me all the support”.

Samira Bawumia who is the wife of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said her success story was not without challenges. As a mother of three children, there were occasions when she missed lecturers because her son was on admission at the hospital. “I hate missing lecturers”, she said.

“Sometimes, I closed from lecturers at 7pm, have to rush home to take care of the children, look through their homework and prepare for a presentation the next morning”.

Samira is grateful to all Ghanaians particularly those who have called to congratulate her for her achievement.

When The Spectator asked Samira what surprise she is expecting from her husband for making him proud, she smiled and said: ‘my husband says it’s on the way.”

Samira hopes her achievement will inspire others to know that it is never late to go to school.

She has told her children that: “if mummy got a prize, you have to get one too.”

The affable lady does not want to describe herself as an exceptional student. Yet, way back in class four at Alsyd Academy where she had her basic education, she was jumped to Form One at Akosombo International School. After Form Five, she proceeded to Mfantsiman girls at Saltpond for her sixth form.

Samira entered Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology at age 18 read Social Science and by 20 years, she had completed the course.

At KNUST, she said, she never stood for any elected position. She did her National Service at the University of Cape Coast Primary and the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

For her, the art of public speaking comes to her naturally, particularly when she identifies with the cause. She has hosted and compeered several events.

Samira hosted ‘Body Love’ a lifestyle, fitness and nutrition programme on TV3 whilst running her own business on the side.

She got married to a banker, Dr. Bawumia, now politician, then later took time off her business to start a family, raised and nurture their three lovely kids.

Samira was born to a politician, Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan, the National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC) and Ahjia Ayesha Ramadan.

“I grew up within a family where national issues were frankly. My father and I belong to different political parties yet we get on so well. We both want the same thing for Ghana but it is the means to the end that differs.

Samira says as a mother, whenever her children are happy, she is happy. “I love you mummy” from any of her children, is enough to make her day. She loves to spend quality time with her family.

During her leisure time, she loves to read. Banku with hot pepper and fish is her favourite dish.

She advised young women to follow their passion. “Whatever is your calling, do it to the best of your ability and try to contribute to society”.

“As Ghanaians, we should count our blessings and strive for peace, be fair and live right with each other. After all, we are one people,” Mrs. Bawumia concluded.