Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Karaga, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has defended the construction of the Masjid Al-Noor “The Light” mosque in Tamale, saying it complements his long-standing investments in education and community development across the Northern Region.

Responding to criticism that resources used for the ultra-modern mosque could have been invested in factories or job-creating projects, Dr Amin Adam said his record demonstrates a sustained commitment to improving educational infrastructure and supporting young people.

Speaking in an interview with Blakk Rasta, he described education as the foundation of development, adding that his investments extend beyond his Karaga constituency to other parts of the Northern Region.

“I hold education as a major pillar of development. That is why my focus has not been limited to Karaga but has extended across the Northern Region,” he said.

Dr Amin Adam listed several education projects he has supported, including a one-storey 12-unit classroom block at the Northern School of Business (NOBISCO), where he completed his O’Level education, and a similar classroom block at Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO).

He also cited the Karaga STEM College of Education, which he said has stalled because of funding constraints, as well as classroom and dormitory projects at Markaziyya Islamic School in Zogbeli and Ambariyya Islamic Institute in Tamale.

According to him, he also mobilised private funding to construct a one-storey classroom block for Pishigu Senior High School and establish 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 established scholarship schemes for students in Karaga, Aboabo, where I grew up, Zogbeli and even for journalists in Tamale,” he said.

He noted that if funding had been available, the Karaga STEM College of Education would have become Ghana’s first STEM College of Education dedicated to training science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers.

Addressing concerns over the mosque project, Dr Amin Adam said the facility is more than a place of worship, explaining that it also includes 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. We seek salvation and do charity so God will continue to favour us,” he said.

He argued that religious institutions also play an important role in shaping moral values and promoting responsible behaviour among young people.

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

Dr Amin Adam dismissed claims that he has neglected development projects in favour of the mosque, insisting that the prayer centre complements his broader investments in education and community development.

“This mosque is an addition to support community development through educational and religious work. I am interested in the impact this project will have on our community so that the children we raise will become responsible members of society,” he said.

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