The Tamale High Court has deferred its judgment in the dispute between the Anbariya Islamic Institute and the Technical University College Ghana to February 2, 2026.

The decision, announced on Tuesday, was attributed to the presiding judge, His Lordship Justice Eric Ansah Ankomah, being assigned additional judicial responsibilities.

Justice Ankomah expressed his dissatisfaction with the large turnout of supporters, primarily from the Anbariya Islamic Institute, who gathered at the court despite prior notification that the judgment would not be delivered as scheduled. He emphasized that the courtroom is not a venue for public rallies.

“The situation was unnecessary and avoidable,” Justice Ankomah stated, adding that counsel for both parties had been informed in advance. He stressed that the court would not be swayed by the presence of supporters.

Hundreds of Anbariya Islamic Institute supporters had converged on the Tamale High Court as early as 7:00 a.m., filling the courtroom and spilling into the surrounding areas. This prompted the deployment of additional security personnel to maintain order.

Despite the judge’s concerns, proceedings remained calm, and the court officially rescheduled the judgment delivery for February 2, 2026.

Alhaji Ibrahim Yusif Andani, a member of the University Council, voiced confidence in the university’s position. He also highlighted the significant disruption caused by the Anbariya Islamic Institute’s continued occupation of the university’s main campus at Vitting.

“It is putting an extra burden on the university,” Alhaji Yusif explained. “All our equipment is packed there, our students’ certificates are kept there, and we cannot access the place. Just yesterday, we received a report from GTEC indicating that we do not have a computer laboratory, yet our fully furnished computer lab is among the facilities currently occupied.”

He further revealed that the university has been compelled to reduce admissions due to the limited space available.

Dr. Mohammed Awal, a senior cleric of the Anbariya Islamic Institute, appealed for restraint and respect for the legal process. “We continue to calm our followers. Nobody should do anything or attempt to take the law into his or her own hands. We have confidence in the law, and we have confidence in the judge as well,” he said.

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