Court endorses Tema Chief Imam

A Tema High Court has ruled that Alhaji Adams Abubakari is the legitimate Chief Imam of Tema.

In his ruling, Mr Justice Oppong, said Alhaji Abubakari was properly installed by the Ulamaa’u which is the foremost council of the Islamic league.

According to the High Court Judge, a number of tribal chiefs who had challenged the installation of Alhaji Abubakari had no legal or ecclesiastical role in the installation of Imams but only play a ceremonial role on such occasions.

He appeald to the Tema Muslim community to live in peace and harmony and that they would be demonstrating the true meaning of Islam if they cooperate in all matters.

Mr Kwasi Mathias Yakah, Counsel for Alhaji Abubakari, had argued that attempts to restrain his client from holding himself as Chief Imam was untenable in law.

He said the Chief Imam was well groomed and knowledgeable in matters concerning the office of Chief Imam.

“Besides he has led and continue to lead the main stream of the Tema Islamic group since 2010 when he assumed the mantle of leadership,” Mr Yakah said.

He said the Koran calls for respect for, cooperation with and obedience to government and local authorities including chiefs of wherever Moslems find themselves living adding that ”this does not mean that it is the local authorities like chiefs who have to install or choose the Chief Imam”.

“At the National Level and throughout the 10 regions of Ghana, the Chief Imams are selected by the Moslems through their internal organs and the local chiefs play the role of ceremonial blessing”, Mr Yakah said.