The Office of the National Chief Imam has publicly criticised what it describes as inappropriate behaviour by some politicians operating within Zongo communities, accusing members of both the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party of showing disrespect toward the institution at public engagements.
In a strongly worded statement issued in the name of Allah and signed by Dr Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo, Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, the Office expressed “a state of dismay” over what it called repeated attempts by certain Zongo politicians to treat the revered religious body with scorn on matters of public interest.
According to the statement, the conduct has been particularly evident at public programmes organised by the Office where politicians are invited as guests. It alleged that some of these political actors have harassed programme moderators, attempted to dictate seating arrangements, and made remarks described as reflective of arrogance of power.
The Office further noted that some politicians have gone as far as questioning its officials whenever it issues public statements either commending or sympathising with political opponents.
While reaffirming its long standing relationship with the political class, both in government and opposition, the Office stressed that such a relationship must be “coordinative NOT subordinative.” It firmly rejected any perception that it is aligned to any political party.
“Indeed, the Office of the National Chief Imam is neither an appendage of NPP nor a colony of NDC. We are an independent institution fueled by morality and driven by secularity,” the statement emphasised.
The Office made clear that it understands democratic politics as “a dual game of conviction not compulsion” and declared that it would not “succumb to the whims and caprices of any politician or political party.”
In a particularly pointed remark, the statement said “The days when these unscrupulous politicians manipulated the Office of the National Chief Imam from the comfort of Party Headquarters and Jubilee House are gone forever,” adding that those involved should be prepared to deal with what it described as a new administration of individuals trained to stand up to intimidation.
Describing any assumption of superiority based on proximity to political power as “politically unacceptable and morally reprehensible,” the Office expressed hope that the leadership of both major parties does not endorse the alleged misconduct. It appealed to leaders of the NDC and NPP to call the errant politicians to order, especially those who frequently operate within Zongo communities.
The statement concluded with a call for a shift “from impunity to responsibility, from pomposity to humility, from tyranny to liberty,” stressing that mutual respect is essential in serving “Allah, Humanity, and Country.”
It ended with a blessing for Ghana, reinforcing the Office’s commitment to faith, national unity and principled engagement with all stakeholders.
www.modernghana.com
