Today, I reflect on the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of my beloved father, Alhaji Alhassan Bin Salih—a towering figure in Ghana’s socio-political history, a pioneer of education in Northern Ghana, a principled public servant, a devoted father, a loyal kinsman, and a devout Muslim. This unique combination of attributes captures the essence of who he was. Perhaps that is why, over a decade after his passing, his wisdom, guiding light, and vision for our family and nation remain as vivid as ever.

*Early Life and Educational Foundations*

Born in 1930 in Wa, Alhaji Bin Salih dedicated his life to breaking barriers. He began his formal education at the Wa Native Authority Primary School in 1939. He later attended Tamale Middle Boarding School from 1946 to 1949, where he forged lifelong friendships with prominent national figures, including former President Dr Hilla Limann and Lawyer Roland Issifu Alhassan.

Determined to overcome the severe educational deficits constraining the Northern Territories during the colonial era, Alhaji Bin Salih pursued a remarkable path of self-improvement. After obtaining his Teacher's Certificate 'B' from the Government Teacher Training College in Tamale (now Bagabaga College of Education) in 1952, he completed his Ordinary and Advanced Level secondary education through correspondence with the University Correspondence College, London.

His tenacity culminated in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1964—placing him among the pioneer generation of Northern scholars to complete university education locally. He subsequently earned a Diploma in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

*Distinguished Public Service and Political Leadership*

Alhaji Bin Salih began his career as a teacher before joining the Ghana Civil Service in 1964 as an Administrative Officer. Through exemplary dedication, he broke new ground in 1979 by becoming the first Northerner promoted to Principal Secretary (the equivalent of today’s Chief Director).

Beyond administrative governance, he made significant contributions to regional development. Crucially, early discussions regarding the creation of the Upper West Region were hosted at his residence in Bolgatanga—a contribution acknowledged by the Kaleo Naa Banaanmwini Sandu II at the opening of the Kaleo Ahmadiyya Hospital in the late 1990s.

Even after he retired from the civil service in 1983, his counsel remained invaluable to the nation. He served for eight years on the Council of State under President John Agyekum Kufuor. In recognition of his distinguished public service, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Volta—one of Ghana’s highest national honours.

A formidable political strategist, Alhaji Bin Salih’s journey began in 1954 as a founding member and Secretary for the Northwest Zone of the Northern People’s Party, working alongside legendary figures such as Chief Simon Diedong Dombo, Bukari Kpegla Adama, Jatoe Kaleo, Chief Abayefaa Karbo, and Chief Mumuni Dimbie.

Over the decades, he remained steadfast in the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition, serving through its successive iterations: the United Party (1957), Progress Party (1969), Popular Front Party (1979), All People’s Party (1981), and the New Patriotic Party (1992).

From 1998, he chaired Mr J.A. Kufuor’s campaign "kitchen cabinet," playing a pivotal role alongside party stalwarts such as Kwadwo Mpiani, Tommy Amematekpor, and Madam Ama Busia in steering the campaign to national victory in 2000. He remained a long-standing member of the NPP National Council and the National Council of Elders, lending his wisdom to conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence.

*Spiritual Devotion and Community Impact*

His political commitment was grounded in deep spiritual devotion as a staunch member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He earned the affectionate title of "Centenary Chairman" after presiding over the national climax of the Ahmadiyya Centenary celebrations in 2008 alongside the Worldwide Head of the Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, and President Kufuor.

Later in life, he found profound joy as his family's spiritual legacy continued through the appointment of his brother, Maulvi Nur Mohammed Bin Salih, as Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana in 2014.

*A Loving Father and Enduring Legacy*

As a father, Alhaji Bin Salih was a firm disciplinarian, yet extraordinarily loving, caring, and wise. On the morning of 26th October 2015—the day he passed on—he shared a final conversation with me, expressing contentment with my commitment to the New Patriotic Party, encouraging my continued public service, and supporting my academic journey by paying my first-year tuition fees for the PhD programme at the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS, now UBIDS).

Though he did not live to see my graduation, I am deeply fulfilled to have honoured his vision by earning both a PhD in Social Administration and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). In line with his political vision, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed me Minister of State, and I continue to serve as a member of the NPP National Council.

Daddy left us 11 years ago, but it feels as though it was only yesterday. His values live on through the lives he touched and the nation he helped build. Alhaji Alhassan Bin Salih lived a full, impactful life in dedicated service to his Creator, his family, and his nation.

May Almighty Allah grant Alhaji Alhassan Bin Salih Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

Tribute by Alhaji Hafiz Bin Salih (PhD, DBA)

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