Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has paid growing tribute to the late Islamic cleric, Sheikh Salisu Shaban.

The revered Sheikh passed away in April, and his 40th-day funeral was held on Sunday morning June 6, 2021, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.

At the funeral, graced by the National Chief Imam and dignitaries from neighbouring West African countries, Vice President Bawumia eulogised Sheikh Shaban for his service to humanity and the country Ghana.

“It is only after the death of a man that you realise how much he was held in regard. Judging from the gathering that we have today, not only in the numbers but how far people have come; from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Senegal, so that we can pay our respect to our spiritual man of God, Sheikh Salisu Shaban,” Dr Bawumia said in his tribute at the funeral.

“He was a man of peace, a man who cared for the environment by collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the environment.”

“He was also a champion of healthcare by organising free health screening for people.”

Dr Bawumia also said the late Sheikh Salisu Shaban was a man who did so much for the country, hence the decision of President Akufo-Addo to honour his memory by allowing his funeral to be held at the forecourt of the State House.

“He was a man who did so much for our country and our community so the President decided that, considering what he has done for the country, his 40th day Adua should be held at the forecourt of the State House. I thank the President for this.”

Dr Bawumia also recalled with nostalgia, his personal relationship with the departed Cleric.

“I am not here because I am the Vice President of Ghana. I am here because Sheikh Salisu Shaban was a father to me. Even if I wasn’t Vice President, I would’ve been here to pay my respect and say my prayers to him because he was like a father to me.”

The Vice President said he had visited the Sheikh shortly before he fell ill, and also reached out throughout his stay at the hospital and when he was discharged.

Dr Bawumia urged the Muslim community and Ghanaians, in general, to continue to honour Sheikh Salisu Shaban by emulating his peaceful and humanitarian traits.