I’ve seen in some rankings and lists that Ghana is often among the most religious countries in the world. Living here, it’s not that difficult to believe. Many shop names mention God or Allah or reference a Bible passage. One of the first questions I get asked when I meet new people is often, “What religion are you?” And on Sunday mornings, life slows down considerably and the air is filled with the singing and preaching from the dozens of churches. Religious beliefs are very much a part of life here, and there’s an interesting break-down.
There are three main religious beliefs in Ghana, and they all co-exist rather peacefully. Both important Christian and Muslim holidays are national holidays and Ghanaians will boast about the lack of religious strife. There’s certainly personal intolerance and prejudices that come into play, but on a systemic level, Ghana could be an example for other countries.
Christianity
Christians are far and away the religious majority in Ghana, with just over 70% of the population identifying as such. The Christian population is generally in the southern parts of the country because Christianity arrived with the European colonizers who came by sea.
Frequently in the south, when people ask what religion you are, they actually want to know what sect of Christianity you follow. More than a quarter of the Ghanaian population are a part of a Pentecostal church or belief system. Protestant sects, such as Methodists and Presbyterian, are also heavily represented in Ghana; just over one in 10 Ghanaians are Catholic.
Christianity is a very pervasive and integrated part of people’s lives in southern Ghana. Churches, I’ve found, can be anywhere and founded by anyone. A lot of people consider themselves preachers and will preach in their spare time. It’s not unusual to have someone standing in the tro-tro (mini-bus), preaching to the passengers for much of the ride. (I think they even get a free ride in exchange.)
Also, church services are not relegated just to Sunday mornings. Most churches will have a sign out front detailing the variety of services that take place throughout the week, though Sunday is the most attended. Sundays in town slow down considerably, with most businesses being closed, or at least closed until after church is finished.
Islam
Muslims make up a little more than 17 percent of the population in Ghana, and they are concentrated much more in the north. Islam came to Ghana by way of the Northern African trade routes.
Zongo communities exist throughout the country, which technically refers to Hausa speakers from the Sahel region. Zongos are typically Muslim, and so the Muslim communities in towns are often referred to as Zongo as well.
Because of the significant Muslim population in Ghana, it’s not unusual for businesses and offices to close early on Fridays, to allow for the Muslim employees time for their weekly prayers. It’s also why Eid al Adha and Eid al Fitr are national holidays.
Traditionalism
People who strictly identify as traditionalists make up about 5 percent of the population, however traditionalist beliefs pervade life.
Traditionalism in Ghana generally falls under the ideas of ancestor worship and a bit of animism. In the cosmological order, there is a Supreme Being who is separate from everyday life. Lesser gods inhabit bodies of water, fields, trees and mountains and can act as intermediaries to the Supreme Being. However, the spirits of ancestors are most people’s closest link to the gods.
Ancestor spirits and their world are not clearly separated from the world of the living. Actions in the world of the living can have impacts on ancestors’ spirits, and festivals like Aboakyer or Afahye are used to strengthen ties with the ancestors. When food or drink is spilled on the ground, it is often said that it’s meant for the ancestors.
While people may consider themselves Christian or Muslim, they frequently will still hold traditionalist beliefs, particularly around their ancestors.
Other Beliefs
Other religions and beliefs are represented in Ghana, though they are in the extreme minority. And while atheists and agnostics do exist, they are frequently ostracized.