Accra: Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu on Wednesday turned 107, drawing an outpouring of congratulatory messages from across Ghana and beyond, as political leaders, religious figures and the public celebrate his enduring legacy of leadership, peacebuilding and commitment to national unity.

Born on April 23, 1919, the National Chief Imam has, over the last century, risen to become one of the most revered and influential religious leaders in the country.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former vice president who had earlier visited the spiritual leader, wrote on Facebook, “On this glorious day, I pray for Allah to grant him more strength and good health to continue his selfless service to the Ummah and the nation.”

Alexander kwamena Afenyo-Markin, minority leader in Parliament, posted a recent Eid photo with the chief imam and captioned it, “Happy 107th birthday to His Eminence Dr Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam. May Allah grant him continued strength and good health.”

Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and President of the Asogli Traditional Area, who happened to share the same birthday with Sheikh Sharubutu, had his message conveyed via a Facebook post while on assignment in Philadelphia, USA.

“He acknowledges His Eminence’s life of humility, wisdom, and devoted service to faith and nation, which continues to inspire unity and peace across the country.

“He prays that the Almighty grants both of them good health and strength and blesses His Eminence with many more years of impactful leadership,” the post read.

Both had planned to celebrate the birthday together this year.

U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Rolf Olson, paid a courtesy visit to the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Dr Usumanu Nuhu Sharubutu, on Wednesday.

In an Instagram post, the embassy said, “His commitment to interfaith harmony, tolerance and meditation continues to inspire. The United States stands with Ghana in promoting religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.”

Patrick Yaw Boamah, the Member of Parliament for the Okaikwei Central constituency (host of the chief imam’s residence), described the chief imam as his father.

He said the life of the spiritual leader was a blessing to the nation, adding that “Your guidance continues to inspire us all. Wishing you long life, good health, and continued grace.”

The former minister of information, Mustapha Abdul Hamid, celebrated the spiritual leader with a Quranic verse.

“This is a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariya. When he called out to his Lord in secret. Saying, ‘My Lord! Indeed, my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, and I have never been unblessed in my invocation to you, Oh my Lord!” (Q: 19:2-4) he wrote.

He prayed for the de facto Muslim leader by asking Allah to continue to bless him.

There were other congratulatory messages from well-meaning Ghanaians and entities such as public and private media organisations.

The chief imam was expected to host a gathering at his residence on Wednesday evening to mark the occasion.