BY Daniel Bampoe
A legal battle is unfolding in Kumasi as Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, takes action against a prominent Islamic cleric over statements he describes as defamatory and damaging to his reputation.
The suit, filed at the High Court, targets Sheikh Mohammed Kamil Samudeen, the Deputy Imam of Ahlussuna Wal Jamaa-Ghana—not the National Chief Imam, Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, who has no involvement in the case.
Dispute
The case stems from public remarks allegedly made by Sheikh Samudeen in the heat of the politically charged atmosphere leading into and following the 2024 general elections.
During that period, tensions between political actors and sections of religious leadership occasionally surfaced, particularly regarding claims that some clerics were being drawn into partisan narratives.
Prior to the current dispute, NAPO had reportedly made general comments cautioning against the use of religious figures for political promotion.
While those remarks did not single out individuals, they appear to have triggered reactions from some quarters, culminating in the statements now at the center of the lawsuit.
Allegations At The Heart Of The Lawsuit
According to court filings, NAPO is contesting several claims attributed to Sheikh Samudeen, which he insists are false and defamatory.
Among them are: Allegations questioning his sexuality, including claims that he is homosexual, Assertions that he remained unmarried until age 57 and only married after being selected as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2024 elections, Statements suggesting he “does not like women” and has no children.
NAPO maintains that these assertions are not only untrue but have also caused significant reputational harm both politically and personally.
Reliefs Being Sought
In response, the former Education Minister is seeking GH₵10 million in damages. Additionally, he is demanding a full retraction of the statements and a public apology from Sheikh Samudeen to address what he describes as injury to his public image.
Legal analysts note that defamation suits of this scale are relatively rare in Ghana’s political space, particularly when they involve religious figures, making the case one to watch closely.
Community Reactions
The controversy has also sparked conversations within sections of the Muslim community in Kumasi, especially in areas like Zango, where political and religious relationships often intersect.
Observers point out that historically, prominent clerics such as Sheikh Abdul Razak Abdallah Saleh and Dr. Zaeem have maintained cordial relations across political divides without resorting to public attacks or inflammatory claims.
During the 2024 election season, political actors, including parliamentary candidates, engaged religious communities respectfully, even when electoral loyalties were uncertain.
This approach, some say, reflects a longstanding culture of coexistence that contrasts sharply with the current dispute.
Calls For Accountability And Restraint
While some supporters of Sheikh Samudeen have defended him, others argue that the cleric’s remarks crossed a line.
Critics insist that religious leaders, given their influence, must exercise caution and avoid making unverified claims, particularly on sensitive personal matters.
At the same time, there have been calls for civility in public discourse, with concerns raised about the tone of responses from some political supporters.
The commentators emphasize that respect for religious figures should be maintained, even amid disagreement, and that accountability should not give way to insults.
