Amin Adam highlights education investments, defends construction of Masjid Al-Noor

Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Karaga, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, says he has made significant investments in education across his constituency and the Northern Region, describing education as a key driver of development.

Dr. Amin Adam said his commitment to education extends beyond Karaga, as he believes empowering young people through learning is essential to transforming communities and improving livelihoods.

Highlighting some of the projects he has initiated or supported, the former Minister mentioned a one-storey 12-unit classroom block at the Northern School of Business (NOBISCO) in Tamale, where he completed his O’Level education, a similar facility at Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO), and the government-supported Karaga STEM College of Education, which has stalled due to funding constraints.

He also cited projects including a classroom block at Markaziyya Islamic School in Zogbeli, a dormitory facility at Ambariya Islamic Institute in Tamale, a 12-unit classroom block for Pishigu Senior High School, and the establishment of the Nyong Technical Institute.

“Both Pishigu Senior High School and Nyong Technical Institute were not built by the government. I sourced financial support from companies to build them. I have also set up scholarship schemes for students in Karaga, Aboabo where I grew up, Zogbeli, and for journalists in Tamale,” he said in an interview.

According to Dr. Amin Adam, the Karaga STEM College of Education, if completed, would have been Ghana’s first specialised institution dedicated to training STEM teachers.

He made the remarks in response to criticism surrounding the construction of the ultra-modern 6,000-capacity Masjid Al-Noor “The Light” mosque, which has additional space for about 4,000 worshippers and is considered one of the largest Islamic prayer centres in the country.

The project has attracted mixed reactions, with some critics arguing that resources could have been channelled into job creation initiatives and industrial projects for young people.

Responding to the criticism, Dr. Amin Adam said the mosque was not only a place of worship but also includes educational and research facilities aimed at promoting community development.

“The mosque also has a school and a research centre. I have always been an Islamic educationist long before I went into politics, so you don’t abandon your faith just because you are a politician,” he said.

He added that religious and charitable projects are part of his personal values and commitment to serving society.

The former Minister also expressed concern about declining social values among young people and stressed the need for early education on moral and religious principles.

“Our society is degenerating as values are lost, and the youth are engaging in behaviours contrary to Islamic teachings. You need to catch them young to teach them the values acceptable to society and our religion,” he told Blakk Rasta.

Dr. Amin Adam further rejected claims that he had failed to undertake meaningful development projects, listing several educational facilities and community initiatives he has supported.

“I have built a two-storey classroom block in Tamale, another at NOBISCO, a two-storey block at Markaziyya, a dormitory block for Ambariya in Tamale, and many projects in my constituency. This mosque is an addition to support community development through educational and religious work,” he said.

He expressed hope that Masjid Al-Noor would have a positive impact on young people by promoting ethical values, discipline and religious education.

“I am interested in the impact this project will make in our community so the children we raise can grow to become responsible people in society,” he added.