President John Dramani Mahama has sent goodwill messages to National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr Osumanu Nuhu Sharabutu as he marks his 99th birthday.

Mr Mahama took to his Facebook page on Monday, 23 April 2018 and stated:

"Best Wishes to National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Osumanu Nuhu Sharabutu on your 99th birthday.

May Allah continue to grant you good health, more wisdom and increase your blessings."

Dr Sharubutu, who is a member of the National Peace Council, was born in Old Fadama on April 23, 1923.

His ancestors are of Hausa ethnicity from Northern Nigeria. Most members of present-day Hausa communities in Ghana trace their ancestry to Hausa traders in Cola nut and livestock who established thriving communities in Dagbon, Gonja, Nkoranza and Ashanti. His ancestors, however, were not traders.

The British in the 1900 Asante War of Resistance led by Yaa Asantewaa relied on local West African mercenaries to fight on their behalf. Hausa and Senegalese soldiers were recruited to hunt and confiscate the Golden Stool of the Ashanti kingdom. After the war, the Senegalese soldiers settled in Cape Coast while the Hausa soldiers settled around the 37 Military Hospital. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu was born to members of the latter community.

See the former president's post below.