Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Karaga, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has defended his development record, insisting that his contributions to education and community development extend far beyond the construction of religious infrastructure.
His comments come in response to public criticism following the commissioning of the 6,000-capacity Masjid Al-Noor Mosque in Tamale.
Some critics argued that the resources used for the project could have been invested in industries and other ventures capable of creating employment opportunities.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Amin Adam rejected claims that he had prioritised only religious projects, saying he has consistently invested in education and youth development across the Northern Region.
He cited several educational facilities he has funded or supported, including a 12-unit classroom block at the Northern School of Business (NOBISCO), where he completed his secondary education, a similar classroom block at Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO), another at Markaziyya Islamic School in Zogbeli, and a dormitory block at Ambariyya Islamic Institute in Tamale.
The former Finance Minister also highlighted his role in establishing Pishigu Senior High School, Nyong Technical Institute, and the Karaga STEM College of Education, although he noted that work on the STEM institution has stalled due to funding constraints.
According to Dr Amin Adam, the two schools were financed through support he secured from private companies rather than government funding.
He added that he has also established scholarship schemes for students from Karaga, Aboabo, Zogbeli and even journalists in Tamale to improve access to education.
He explained that the Karaga STEM College of Education was intended to become Ghana’s first specialised institution dedicated to training Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teachers before financial challenges delayed the project.
Addressing concerns over the newly commissioned mosque, Dr Amin Adam said the facility is designed to serve multiple purposes beyond worship.
He disclosed that the Masjid Al-Noor complex includes a school and a research centre, which he believes will contribute to education, knowledge-sharing and community development.
“I have always been passionate about Islamic education, even before entering politics. Building a mosque does not mean neglecting development. It is part of giving back to society while strengthening faith and promoting learning,” he said.
