His Excellency Alhaji Sahanun Mogtari was born on 26th April, 1948 at Wa in the Upper West Region. After receiving his Teacher Training education at the Wa Teacher Training College and at St. John Bosco's Teacher Training College, he proceeded to the University of Cape Coast. He has a Teachers' Certificate "A" (4 years), a Teachers' Specialist Certificate, and a Diploma in Advanced Study of Education.

He has served in various capacities in the education field including as Classroom Teacher, Subject tutor at the Wa Secondary and Technical School, Education Administration at the Teachers' Resource Centre, Wa and Assistant Director (Education Administration in Charge of Budget and Planning) at the Upper West Regional Education Office. In 1990, he was awarded best Regional Farmer and a year later, was elected Wa District Chairman (GNAF).

From 14th February 2001 to 7th February, 2005, H. E. Alhaji Sahanun Mogtari served as the Regional Minister for the Upper West Region. He has attended numerous Conferences and Seminars and enjoys reading, hook fishing and general agriculture. He is married.