The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu says the contributions of late former President Jerry John Rawlings to Ghana’s political development will forever be penned in history.

While expressing shock over the demise of the first president in the Fourth Republic, the Chief Imam said the Muslim community is deeply saddened by the news.

"Indeed the memory of His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, the former president, will go down on record as the president with the most significant contribution to Ghana’s political development in recent history.

"It is, therefore, most befitting that we honor his memory even as the family and nation mourn his departure from mundane life," part of the statement issued by the Chief Imam said.

Former President Jerry John Rawlings passed away on the morning of Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital following a short illness.

According to sources, the 73-year-old head of state who contracted Covid-19 was receiving treatment at the Intensive care unit of Korle-Bu before his passing.

Already, President Nana Akufo-Addo has declared 7-day national mourning for the late former President while most of the political parties have suspended their campaign to mourn with the family and the nation.

Concluding his statement, the Chief Imam sent his condolences to the bereaved family.

"Our consoling words, especially to the former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and the children, is that may the Almighty God, who gives and takes life, grant the entire bereaved family the strength of heart and spirit to be able to endure the difficulties associated with the loss of such a dear one."