NAPO sues Sheikh Kamil over homosexuality allegations
Defamation suit filed at Kumasi High Court against Islamic Cleric
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Running Mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has initiated legal action against Islamic cleric Mohammed Kamil Samudeen over allegations linking him to homosexuality.
The lawsuit, filed at the Kumasi High Court on January 20, 2026, accuses the cleric of making defamatory statements that have damaged the politician’s reputation and standing in society.
Plaintiff seeks GHS10 million in damages
In the suit, Dr. Opoku Prempeh is seeking GHS10 million in damages for defamation. He is also requesting the court to compel Sheikh Kamil to publish a retraction and apology for the statements made against him. Additionally, the former running mate is asking the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the cleric, his associates, agents, and assigns from making or publishing any further defamatory remarks about him. The plaintiff is further seeking a declaration from the court that the statements attributed to Sheikh Kamil were false and defamatory.
Allegations described as malicious attack
According to court documents, Dr. Prempeh strongly denies ever engaging in homosexuality or any criminal or immoral conduct. The suit describes the allegations as a deliberate and calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation and subject him to public ridicule and disaffection. “The plaintiff contends that the defendants made the aforementioned statements with the intent to tarnish the plaintiff’s reputation and also court public disaffection for him,” portions of the suit reportedly state.
Video at centre of legal dispute
The legal battle stems from a video that circulated widely during the 2024 election campaign period. In the video, Sheikh Kamil, who serves as the First National Deputy of the Ahlussunnah Wal Jama’a Muslim group, is seen speaking in Twi from behind a lectern inside a mosque. According to Dr. Prempeh, the cleric made remarks suggesting that he was a homosexual despite being a successful politician. The suit alleges that Sheikh Kamil claimed the politician was not interested in women and was compelled to marry only after being selected as the NPP’s running mate ahead of the 2024 general election.
Reputation and political career at stake
Dr. Prempeh argues that the statements have caused significant harm to his personal reputation, political image, and public standing. He maintains that the allegations are entirely false and have exposed him to public contempt and ridicule. The case is expected to test the boundaries of free expression and defamation law, as the court determines whether the statements made by the cleric were defamatory and whether the plaintiff is entitled to the reliefs being sought.
Awaiting court determination
As of now, Sheikh Kamil has not publicly responded through the court to the claims outlined in the suit. The Kumasi High Court is expected to hear the matter in the coming months. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for public discourse, political communication, and defamation litigation in Ghana.
Read the full suit filed:
NAPO Sue Tafo NDC Shierk
