Ghana… The land of gold… The country of golden-hearted people…
A nation where Muslims, Christians, and followers of indigenous beliefs live together in peace…
The Republic of Ghana is located in the western part of the African continent. The largest city and capital of the country is Accra. It gained independence from the United Kingdom on March 6, 1957. According to 2022 data, the population is 32,402,710. Among this population, 70% are Christians, 25% are Muslims, 4% follow traditional African religions and 1% practice other religions. While there are numerous languages and dialects spoken in the country, the official language is English.
The birth and spread of Islam in Ghana
In the 13th century, the renowned Ashanti Empire in Ghana began to introduce Islam to its people when some Arab Muslims were appointed to the role of clerks for trade purposes.
The inhabitants of the Tamale region in northernGhana learned about Islam from the Arab Muslims who visited the area approximately 750 years ago and subsequently accepted Islam. Under an ancient tree next to the Larabanga Mosque, these early Arab Muslims explained the principles of Islam to the local population, facilitating their conversion. As a result of the growing need for a place of worship, the Larabanga Mosque was constructed. Built in 1420, the Larabanga Mosque still remains standing and is open for worship. It is recognized as the first mosque built in Ghana.
Although the people of Ghana were introduced to Islam around the 13th century, the broader spread of Islam occurred in the 17th century. This expansion was primarily due to numerous Nigerian Muslim scholars who entered the country from the north to preach Islam. Through their efforts, Islam gradually spread from northern Ghana, reaching other parts of the country in successive waves.
The country is home to hundreds of mosques, both large and small. Local imams serve in these mosques and also provide Qur’anic education in nearby Qur’an schools, known locally as Makaranta. To date, no official or unofficial study has been conducted to determine the exact number of local mosques throughout the country.
In the country, Islamic education is provided in primary, middle, and high schools established by either the state or private initiatives. Additionally, madrasas have been set up in certain regions, where a seven-year Islamic education program is offered. This curriculum includes studies in Arabic, tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis), hadith, and aqidah (Islamic creed), among other Islamic sciences.
Religious authority representing Muslims in Ghana
The religious administration representing Muslims in Ghana is the Ghana Chief Mufti Office, commonly referred to as the “Office of the National Chief Imam of Ghana.”
Ghana gained independence in 1957, and during this period, numerous well-respected Muslim scholars were recognized across the country. The most prominent of these scholars was Osman Nuhu Sharubutu. By the 1970s, the Ghanaian government decided to establish an official structure to represent Muslims at the state level and to appoint a representative. Following discussions in 1974 among tribal leaders, academics, Muslim scholars, and other notable figures, Osman Nuhu Sharubutu was unanimously chosen as the official leader of the Muslim community and was subsequently acknowledged by the state. Born on April 23, 1919, and now 105 years old, Osman Nuhu Sharubutu continues to serve as the National Chief Imam. He holds the distinction of being Ghana’s first and only Chief Imam, highly esteemed across Ghana and the West African region.
The Ghana National Mosque Complex, completed by Turkish philanthropists, also includes an administrative building constructed specifically for the Ghana Chief Imam’s office. This building was gifted to the Ghana Chief Imam’s office as part of the complex.
Ghana National Mosque Complex
The Ghana National Mosque and Complex, which was inaugurated in 2021 with the presence of the President of Religious Affairs of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Ali ERBAS, holds significant importance for Muslims in West Africa.
The Ghana National Mosque Complex is located in the capital city of Accra. It includes the Ghana National Mosque, Tiwnikli International Senior High School, and the Ghana Chief Imam’s Office. The complex also houses the Religious Services Consultancy Office of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Türkiye, a girls’ Qur’an school, housing and guest accommodations, a sports hall, and children’s parks. As such, it stands as the largest Islamic complex in West Africa. The Ghana National Mosque itself has a capacity of 15,000 people, with 5,000 spaces available in its indoor area.
The Religious Services Consultancy at the Ghana National Mosque Complex, in addition to its representation duties, organizes humanitarian aid sent to Ghana by the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation. The Consultancy oversees various activities such as the construction of wells and mosques, food aid for needy families, special food assistance for orphanages, clothing and stationery donations for orphans, the slaughtering and distribution of sacrificial animals, and Qur’an courses and vocational training for both male and female students.
There are several organizations that represent Muslims in Ghana. Some of these organizations include:
a) Coalition of Muslim Organization Ghana (COMOG)
It is the umbrella organization for many Islamic associations and institutions in the country. It organizes programs on all matters concerning Muslims.
b) Ghana Muslim Students Association (GMSA)
The association was established in 1982 to defend the rights of Muslim students in high schools and universities and to represent them in academic circles. It has 416,200 high school students and 236,800 university students under its affiliation.
c) Islamic Council for Development and Humanitarian Services (ICODEHS)
This organization works closely with the Ghana Chief Imam’s office. ICODEHS organizes various humanitarian aid for Ghanaian Muslims and conducts activities in the religious, social, and cultural fields.
d) Tijaniyyah Muslim Council of Ghana
This organization represents Muslims who belong to the Tijaniyyah Sufi order in Ghana.
e) Zongo Development Fund
In Ghana, areas predominantly inhabited by Muslims and considered underdeveloped are referred to as “Zongo.” These regions are prioritized for investment and development. The Zongo Development Fund organizes various activities aimed at the development and progress of Muslims in the country.
f) Zakat and Sadaqa Trust Fund of Ghana
The Zakat and Sadaqa Trust Fund of Ghana holds significant importance among Ghanaian Muslims. Its main purpose is to ensure that the zakat and sadaqah of Ghanaian Muslims are directed to the appropriate recipients.