Mohammed Abdul-Saaka

Mohammed Abdul-Saaka was born on July 22, 1941, in Janga, Ghana, he hails from the Northern Region.

Mohammed Abdul-Saaka's early life was marked by his pursuit of education and his connections to the Soo Traditional Area. He attended the Gambaga Primary Boarding School from 1947 to 1951, followed by the Nalerigu Middle Boarding School from 1952 to 1954. He continued his education at Prempeh College, where he completed his secondary and sixth form studies from 1955 to 1959 and 1960 to 1962, respectively. In 1962, he enrolled at the University of Ghana, Legon, to study law and later became a qualified lawyer, having been called to the bar in 1966.

After establishing his legal practice in Tamale, Mohammed Abdul-Saaka made significant contributions to the Northern Youth Association. His involvement in politics gained momentum when he was appointed Ministerial Secretary at the Ministry of Defense in 1969. The same year, he ran for and won a seat in Parliament for Walewale under the ticket of the Progress Party.

As a Member of Parliament, Mohammed Abdul-Saaka demonstrated his commitment to public service, and his leadership qualities led to his appointment as Deputy Minister for Defense. In this role, he played an instrumental part in the nation's defense strategies and policies. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Ministerial Secretary for Internal Affairs (now the Ministry of Interior), showcasing his versatility and ability to handle diverse responsibilities.

The political landscape in Ghana was tumultuous during Mohammed Abdul-Saaka's tenure. In January 1972, the Busia government was overthrown by the Supreme Military Council, resulting in significant changes in the country's governance. This marked a turning point in Mohammed Abdul-Saaka's political journey, as he sought asylum in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, following the arrest of members of the former government.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Mohammed Abdul-Saaka remained committed to his principles and sought to support the overthrown Prime Minister, Kofi Abrefa Busia. He played a vital role in relaying information about the situation in Ghana to the American embassy in Ouagadougou, seeking assistance to meet the exiled Prime Minister. Eventually, in December 1972, he left Ghana for the United Kingdom.