Mohammed Abdul-Saaka
Mohammed Abdul-Saaka | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 22, 1935 Janga, near Walewale, Ghana |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, lawyer |
| Years active | 1960s–1972 |
| Known for | Deputy Minister of Defence and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs (Ghana) |
Mohammed Abdul-Saaka was a Ghanaian political figure who served as a deputy minister during the era of the second republic. His appointments included deputy ministerial positions in both the Ministry of Defence and subsequently the Ministry of Internal Affairs (currently known as the Ministry of Interior).
Early life and education
Born on 22 July 1935 in Janga, a community near Walewale, Mohammed Saaka was the son of Namoraa Yimbasi, a subchief within the Soo Traditional Area. He was also eligible for the Soo Namship through the Naa Kobri Gate located in Janga.
His educational journey began at Gambaga Primary Boarding School from 1947 to 1951, followed by attendance at Nalerigu Middle Boarding School between 1952 and 1954. He then pursued secondary and sixth form studies at Prempeh College from 1955 to 1959 and again from 1960 to 1962. In 1962, he matriculated at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he studied law and achieved admission to the bar in 1966.
Career and politics
Prior to his political career, he practiced law privately in Tamale and held a leadership role within the Northern Youth Association. In 1969, he was appointed as ministerial secretary at the Ministry of Defence. That year also saw his election as member of parliament for Walewale under the banner of the Progress Party, where he contended with candidates from both the National Alliance of Liberals and the All People's Republican Party. In 1971, he transitioned to serve as ministerial secretary at the Ministry of Interior.
His tenure ended in January 1972 when the Busia government was toppled by the Supreme Military Council. Following this political upheaval, he sought refuge in Ouagadougou, then part of Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), where he reached out to the American embassy to report on Ghana’s political climate and requested a meeting with the deposed prime minister. By December 1972, he had moved to reside in the United Kingdom.
Personal life
Mohammed practiced Islam and was father to two children named Jamila and Roland. He spent his later years living in London.