Former Basic Education Minister, Haman Adama, dies

By Tata Mbunwe

The Former Minister of Basic Education, Haman Adama, passed away Monday, April 29, at the Yaounde Central Hospital.

Adama, who served as MINEDUB boss from 2004 to 2009, was a prominent figure in Cameroonian politics, but her tenure was marred by controversy and legal troubles.

Originally from the Bénoué Division, Haman Adama was trained at the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM) before entering the government on March 18, 2000, as Secretary of State for National Education.

She later assumed the position of Minister of Basic Education from August 8, 2004, to June 30, 2009.

However, her time in office was overshadowed by accusations of embezzlement, leading to her arrest on January 6, 2010, as part of Operation Epervier.

The government operation cracking down on corruption saw the arrest of several high ranking officials, incliding the former Secretary General at the Presidency Marafa Hamidou Yaya.

Prior to her arrest, Adama was dismissed from the government on June 30, 2009, and replaced by Youssouf Adidja Alim, also from Bénoué.

Adama spent over two years at the Kondengui Central Prison in Yaoundé before being officially charged with embezzling Accused of embezzling nearly a billion francs through public contracts related to the management of the minimum package for free primary education.

In accordance with a provision of the law governing the Special Criminal Court, which allows accused individuals to reimburse the embezzled funds, Adama reportedly returned FCFA 212.5 million to the state to secure her release.

©Mimi Mefo Info