The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has urged Supreme Court Justice nominee, Justice Amadu Tanko to be patient and resolute in his new role a Justice of the Supreme Court if confirmed, and also rely on God for guidance.

Following his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament last week, Justice Tanko over the weekend paid a courtesy call on the the National Chief Imam to thank him for his fatherly support and encouragement in his professional journey so far.


The nomination of Justice Tanko to the highest court of the country by President Akufo-Addo marked a significant landmark, especially within the Zongo community as he has become the first Muslim to be nominated as a Supreme Court Judge in Ghana’s history.

Speaking during the visit, the National Chief Imam said, this remarkable feat, is not only an honour to Justice Tanko, but more importantly, an exemplary development which will inspire the youth of Zongo to aspire for higher heights.

While thanking Allah for the honour he has brought to Justice Tanko, Sheikh Sharubutu added that his elevation will also generally inspire young lawyers across all sections of the Ghanaian society.

While many are celebrating the remarkable achievement of Justice Tanko, it has not been all rosy for him as a section of the Zongo populace has hit hard on the Supreme Court nominee for some of his responses to questions on hijab and Islamic inheritance during his vetting last week.

Some have accused him of providing answers, which are contradictory to Islamic principles, but Justice Tanko has since explained to key Muslim leaders that his comments have been taken out of context.

Touching on the issue, the Chief Imam urged a ceasefire of the barrage of insults and villification directed at Justice Tanko for his comments.

On his part, Justice Tanko expressed gratitude to the National Chief Imam for his fatherly care and prayed to Allah to continue to grant him good health and long life for the benefit of all.

Before the meeting came to a close, the Chief Imam prayed with the Supreme Court nominee and urged him to be extremely patient in all his dealings.

Visit to Sheikh Umar Ibrahim

From the Chief Imam’s residence, Justice Tanko also called on the Chief Imam of Ahlusunnah Wal Jammah, Sheikh Umar Ibrahim at his residence.

Sheikh Umar congratulated Justice Tanko for his elevation, adding that it marked a significant landmark in Ghana’s 63-year history since independence as the first Muslim Supreme Court Judge.

Sheikh Omar told the delegation that he personally watched the vetting of Justice Tanko live and expressed worry over the twists in his submissions by a section of the Muslim populace to vilify the Supreme Court nominee.

He urged people, particularly the youth to be proud of his achievements and not focus on his submissions duringbhis vetting to unnecessarily villify him.

Sheikh Umar jumped to the defence of Justice Tanko’s submissions, adding that there are more serious and important issues confronting the Muslim community, which requires urgent and vigorous attention than hijab and inheritance.

He therefore, admonished the youth, particularly young preachers, to redirect their focus and energy on issues affecting the development of the Muslim community such as good morals, educational infrastructure and quality healthcare facilities.