Fr. Andrew Campbell honors Chief Imam on 106th birthday

Founder of the Father Campbell SVD Foundation, Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell, SVD, has paid a visit to Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, to celebrate the Islamic leader’s remarkable 106th birthday.

The visit, held at the Fadama Mosque in Accra, was marked by deep mutual respect and a spirit of peace that has long defined the relationship between the two revered figures. Fr. Campbell offered prayers, extended warm birthday wishes, and presented a special gift—a striking painting crafted by a resident of the Weija Leprosarium, a cured leper whose life has been transformed by the Foundation’s work.

“Sheikh Sharubutu is a true man of peace,” Fr. Campbell said during the visit. “He has been a tireless advocate for harmony and understanding between Christians and Muslims in Ghana. It is an honor to celebrate this milestone with him.”

The touching encounter evoked memories of the Chief Imam’s 100th birthday in 2019, when he made headlines by attending a Sunday Mass at Christ the King Church, an event that became a national symbol of interfaith solidarity. Fr. Campbell referenced the moment, noting how it continues to inspire dialogue and respect across religious lines.

The Chief Imam, visibly moved by the gesture, offered prayers for Fr. Campbell and thanked him for his decades of humanitarian service, particularly his work with marginalized communities such as street children and those cured of leprosy.

The Father Campbell SVD Foundation, which operates initiatives like the Christ the King Soup Kitchen, remains a cornerstone in efforts to uplift vulnerable Ghanaians and foster inclusive social development.