National Chief Imam attends Catholic mass for 100th birthday thanksgiving

Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu on Sunday, 21 April 2019 joined a mass service at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra to mark his 100th birthday anniversary.

Sheikh Sharabutu will be a century old on Tuesday, 23 April 2019.

The Islamic cleric was welcomed to the church by Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell.

Ahead of Sunday’s mass service, Ghana’s Vice-President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on Friday joined Sheikh Sharubutu and fellow Muslims at the Central Mosque in Abossey Okai for Jummah prayers and a similar special thanksgiving prayer to thank the Almighty Allah for the blessings He has bestowed on the National Chief Imam.

After the congregational Jummah prayer, the Chief Imam led the thanksgiving duas, and gave glory to the Almighty for his life as well as the peace He has continued to grant the people of Ghana. He also prayed for the prosperity of Ghana, as well as for Allah to grant the leadership of this country, especially President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia, more wisdom to steer the affairs of the country.

The congregation, including Dr Bawumia, thanked Allah for granting the Chief Imam long life, good health and wisdom. They also prayed for Allah to continue to grant Sheikh Sharubutu good health so that the country would continue to benefit from his invaluable advice and guidance.

Friday's thanksgiving prayer formally started a series of programmes lined up for the commemoration of the centenary birthday anniversary of the National Chief Imam.

On the morning of his birthday, a public lecture will be held in his honour in Accra and the keynote speaker will be Dr. Mohammed Ibn. Chambas, United Nations General Secretary's Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel.

He will speak on the theme: "Advancement of modern Ghanaian society through peace, tolerance and development." The special guest for the lecture is Dr Bawumia.

A number of national leaders, including some former Presidents, are also expected to attend.