The National Imam of the Shia Muslim community, Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Kamaludeen, has called on Ghana’s political parties and governments to immediately stop interfering in the work of the judiciary.
He warned that continued manipulation threatens the very foundation of the nation’s democracy.
Speaking yesterday at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at Central Mosque at Kawokudi in Accra, Sheikh Kamaludeen warned that political manipulation of the courts threatens the integrity of the nation’s democracy and erodes public trust in the judiciary.
He criticised the recent appointment of seven new Supreme Court justices by the NDC government, arguing that the move contradicts the party’s own previous calls to limit appointments to the apex court.
“Six months ago, or barely a year ago, these same politicians were advocating for a cap on Supreme Court appointments. Now, they have turned around to appoint seven new justices. “This is pure politics, and it is destroying public confidence in the judiciary.”
Sheikh Kamaludeen stressed that the judiciary must remain independent and free from all forms of executive and partisan influence. He warned that without an impartial judiciary, ordinary citizens would lose their last hope for justice.
“When the courts are manipulated, where do we run to when all other doors are closed? The judiciary is the final refuge for every Ghanaian. We cannot allow political interests to undermine it,” he added.
The Imam further called on Allah to guide Ghana’s leaders to respect the independence of the judiciary and to act with sincerity and integrity.
He reminded judges of their sacred responsibility to deliver justice without fear or favour, urging them to remember that they would ultimately be accountable before God.
