The Office of the National Chief Imam has expressed dismay over what it describes as inappropriate and disrespectful conduct by some politicians from both the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party within Zongo communities.

In a statement signed by the Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, Dr Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo, the Office cited incidents in which politicians allegedly harassed programme moderators, dictated seating arrangements at events and questioned officials whenever statements were issued that appeared supportive of political opponents.

The statement emphasised that the Office of the National Chief Imam is an independent institution guided by morality and secularity, and not aligned to any political tradition.

It stressed that the relationship between the Office and the political class should be coordinative rather than subordinate.

The Office further rejected what it termed the “arrogance of power” and urged the leadership of both major political parties to call erring members to order.

It also called for a departure from impunity, pomposity and tyranny, and appealed for mutual respect in the service of Allah, humanity and country.

The statement signals growing concern within the religious establishment over the politicisation of community engagements in Zongo areas, and serves as a caution to political actors across the country.