ACCRA, GHANA (AP) – Ghana’s Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia extended warm birthday greetings to the country’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, who turned 105 years old on Tuesday.
The Chief Imam marked his birthday at his Fadama residence in Accra with prayers, Quran recitations in a modest gathering.
Bawumia joined the a list of Ghanaians home and abroad to honor the Muslim spiritual leader.
In a statement, he called the Chief Imam “my father” and the Grand Mufti of Ghana, highlighting his positive influence in the West African nation.
“Happy 105th birthday to my father, the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu. May the Almighty Allah continue to bless him with long life and good health to continue the positive impact on humanity and our dear country Ghana,” the vice president said.
Sheikh Sharubutu marked his 105th birthday on April 23rd with prayers and Quran recitations at his residence in the Fadama area of Accra, the capital. He has served as Ghana’s National Chief Imam since 1993.
As the spiritual leader of Ghana’s Muslim community comprising about 18% of the total population, Sharubutu is widely revered across the predominantly Christian nation for promoting peaceful co-existence between religions.
His birthday celebrations came just a few days after the celebration of the Eid-ul Fitr
At 105 years old, Sheikh Sharubutu is one of the world’s oldest surviving Muslim clerics and leaders. His longevity and continuing influence in Ghana’s religious affairs is seen as remarkable.
