Religion

There are many religions co-existing peacefully in Ghana and religious tolerance in Ghana is very high. The three most prominent religions are Christianity, Islam, and Traditional. While you are invited to attend any type of service, proper attire and respect are required and no proselytizing is permitted.

Ghana has the highest percentage of Christians in West Africa. About 60% of the citizens of Ghana are Christian, with the majority living in the southern part of the country. There are beautiful Catholic churches in larger cities in Ghana, including Navrongo in the Upper East region. There are many other impressive structures as well, such as the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic grotto at Kpando, which has an 8-metre statue of Mary, a grotto and life-size statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross.

About 20% of the citizens of Ghana are Muslim. The northern part of the country is heavily Muslim, but you will see mosques and hear calls to prayer throughout Ghana, including throughout Accra. There are three primary branches of Islam within Ghana: Ahlussuna, Tijanis, and Ahmadis. There are many beautiful mosques in Ghana, some being nearly 1000 years old. Those of practicing faith would be welcome to participate in prayers.

While mostly thought of as being associated with Benin and Togo, about 20% of the citizens of Ghana practice traditional religions, usually in the southeast of Ghana. Despite Christianity and Islam religions being majorly followed within Ghana, traditional beliefs still play a strong role in the Ghana because of their intimate relation to family and local mores. Traditional religions were actively suppressed during colonial times, so there is often a mingling of traditional and Christian beliefs.