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Transformations in Islamic Education in Ghana
by David Owusu-Ansah
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Interviews
Interview with Maulvi Wahab bin Adam
Date: June 28, 2005Maulvi Wahad provided this interview to illustrate the history of the Ahmadiyya Mission in Ghana but most importantly to show the role of the Mission in the provision of secular education in the country. He also illustrated the moderating impact of the Mission on Islam in Ghana at the level that it has worked with other religions in the country.
Interview with Alhajji Shaibu Armiyawo
Date: July 11, 2005This interview and subsequent ones outside this project focused on the history of education in Ghana and the manner that Muslims in Ghana have reacted toward secular learning. The central issue is how best the Islamic Education Unit (as agency of the Ghana Education Service) can interest Muslims in secular education. The ability of the Unit to do so will contribute to sustaining religious tolerance in the country.
Interview with Al-Hajj Husan Zakaria Umar
Date: July 13, 2005This interview centered on the nature of Arabic language instruction at Islamic Education Unit schools in Ghana. It also touched on how private proprietor schools are adopting the Islamic Education curriculum without having to join the national Ghana Education Council system. The emphasis is on debunking the idea that Islamic schools are anti-secular and therefore pro-anti Western.
Interview with Osman Braimah Barri
Date: July 13, 2005Osman Barri makes the argument that Muslim children are capable for secular education. Using his personal story, he also argues that an educated Ghanaian Muslim is capable of remaining loyal to the country and the communities within.
Interview with Al-Hajj Ibrahim Umar
Date: July 14, 2005Al-Hajj Imam Ibrahim Umar centered his interview on Islamic orthodoxy and expressed concern about the old leadership that he described as more akin to mysticism. The Ahl-Sunna al-Jamait Group, over which he provided leadership, see themselves initially as protecting the integrity of the religion. The Imam also talked about the support he has for secular education—and in the end presents his group as more progressive.
Interview with Al-Hajj Rashid Gbadamosi
Date: July 14, 2005The central purpose was our discussion of the genesis of the Islamic Education Unit of Ghana and the history of Muslim reactions to secular education. Also discussed in this interview is the increasing role of Iran in the provision of higher education in Ghana through its Islamic University College. As Registrar, the interview explored the institution's course offerings and how the public had reacted to them.
Interview with Rev. Dr. Nathan Samwini,
Date: July 18, 2005The interview focused on the function and structure of the Ghana Christian Council. The larger idea was to discuss the role of the Council in inter-denominational and inter-faith dialogue in the country.
Interview with Most Reverend Archbishop Justice O. Akrofi
Date: July 19, 2005Purpose of interview was to have conversation about the role of the Anglican Church of Ghana in the provision of secular education as well as to investigate the methods adopted by the Church for inter-denominational tolerance. The pictures taken to correspond to the interview show a Church that is very well endowed and also very committed to the provision of public education.
Interview with Al-Hajj Afa Sulemana
Date: July 20, 2005This was a general interview about the Muslim community in Ghana and its internal structures; the nature of traditional leadership and how it is evaluated by the western educated Muslims. We also touched on the issue of inter-religious tolerance in Ghana and the reasons for such a high degree of accommodation.
Interview with Shaykh Muhammed Kamil
Date: July 2006The major theme for this interview was on the issue of secular education for Muslim children. Azariyya School is a Muslim-proprietor program that has accepted a government secular curriculum but combines it with the school’s own Islamic religious education. How do such schools, where almost all the students are Muslims, contribute to national integration?
Interview with Dr. Elom Dovlo
Date: July 11, 2006The purpose of this interview was to seek independent and scholarly reaction to issues arising from conversations with Ghanaian Muslim leaders. For example, had the national government supported secular education for Muslims sufficiently? What has been the historical relationship between Islamic NGO leaders and the traditional Muslim leadership? The conversation in this interview can serve as commentary on the others in this collection.
Interview with Ms. Abdul Kadiri Ayishetu
Date: July 12, 2006The interview centered on the activities of the Federation of Muslim Women of Ghana (FOMWAG) and its ability to interest young Muslim girls in schooling. The conversation aimed at exploring the issue of secular education for Muslim girls through the examination of the personal story of the interviewee.
Interview with National Chief Imam Al-Hajj Usman Nuhu Sharabutu
Date: July 16, 2006The interview seeks a description of the functions of the National Chief Imam in a country where every administration region has its own chief Imam. Also in this interview, the Imam provides responses that will answer critics who question his commitment to secular education. Has the Islamic community leadership over whom Al-Hajj Sharabututhe is chief Imam become traditionalized?
Interview with Mamuna Bintu al-Shaban
Date: July 20, 2006Mamuna Bintu al-Shaban tells a personal story about the struggles of education for Muslim girls in Ghana but most importantly, she tells of the benefits that secular education provides for those who sustain the interest.
Interview with Ahmed Tijan-Hassan
Date: July 24, 2006The interview focuses on the challenges faced by the least endowed Muslim communities as they embrace secular education for their children at Muslim-run schools.
Images
Accra Central Mosque (1)
Date: 2005The Central Mosque in Accra (in this picture) was constructed in the 1970s to serve the Abossey Okai Muslim community. Since the 1980s following the burning and demolition of the Central Mosque at the central market at Mokola, the Abossey Okai Mosque has served as Central Mosque for Accra. This mosque and another at Cow Lane in the capital attract large crowds for Friday prayers.
Accra Central Mosque (2)
Date: 2005The Central Mosque in Accra (in this picture) was constructed in the 1970s to serve the Abossey Okai Muslim community. Since the 1980s following the burning and demolition of the Central Mosque at the central market at Mokola, the Abossey Okai Mosque has served as Central Mosque for Accra. This mosque and another at Cow Lane in the capital attract large crowds for Friday prayers.
Alhajj Braimah Bari
Date: 2005Alhajj Braimah Bari is former translator at the Organization for African Unity at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He is now retired and leading western educated member of the Ghana Muslim community.
Dr. Mark Sey
Date: 2005Dr. Mark Sey, Senior Lecturer at the Religious Studies Department of the University of Cape, in picture with Alhajj Braimah Bari. Dr. Sey's is a leading recorder of Islamic traditions in Ghana. He is the only scholar who has done research on Muslim youth in Ghana.
Imam Husayn Mosque
Date: 2005The Shiite Mosque at Mamobi (Accra). The Imam Husayn Mosque is the main Shitte Mosque (mainly for the Iranian community of Ghana and the Ghanaian students who have studied in Iran on that country’s educational scholarship. The Ahl-Bait Foundation of Iran, for example sponsors western schools in Ghana-including their University College in Accra.
Maulvi Amir Wahab bin Adam (1)
Date: 2005The Head of Mission of the Ahmadiyya Islamic Mission in Ghana, West Africa. Maulvi Adam is the first African to head the Mission activities in Ghana since the movement was introduced to the country in 1921
Maulvi Amir Wahab bin Adam (2)
Date: 2005The Head of Mission of the Ahmadiyya Islamic Mission in Ghana, West Africa. Maulvi Adam is the first African to head the Mission activities in Ghana since the movement was introduced to the country in 1921
Maulvi Amir Wahab bin Adam (3)
Date: 2005The Head of Mission of the Ahmadiyya Islamic Mission in Ghana, West Africa. Maulvi Adam is the first African to head the Mission activities in Ghana since the movement was introduced to the country in 1921
Mosque, Ghana
Date: 2005The Kumasi Mosque of the Ahmadiyya Islamic Mission in Ghana, West Africa. The Ahmadiyya Mission had been established in Ghana since 1921
Most Rev. Dr. Archbishop of West Africa and Bishop of Accra
Date: 2005Bishop of Accra, and Archbishop of the Province of West Africa
Mumuni Sulemana
Date: 2005Mr. Mumuni Sulemana (Afa Sulley) is a lecturer at the Religious Studies Department of the University of Ghana. Also, he is a research on Islamic non-governmental organization in the country. He is an active participant in the discussion on Islam and the modernization of education in the country.
Rev. Dr. Nathan Samwini
Date: 2005Picture shows the Rev. Dr. Nathan Samwini of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG). The organization acts as a forum for joint action by member churches in collaboration with the Ghana Catholic Secretariat and lately with Muslim organizations in Ghana. The Rev. Dr. Samwini, is CCG's researcher on Islam.
After afternoon prayers at the Fadame Residence Mosque of the National Chief Imam
Date: 2006Three men sitting in front of the Fadame Mosque after afternoon prayers.
Dr. Sey with National Chief Imam
Date: 2006A visit to the National Chief Imam. Sheikh Sharubutu seated and Dr. Sey knelling.
Male Students at an Islamic-secular school
Date: 2006Male students dressed appropriately for school at the Azariyya Islamic Education Unit School.
National Chief Imam of Ghana
Date: 2006National Chief Imam Nuhu Sharubutu is a leader in the provision of Islamic religious education in Ghana
Principal Muhammad Kamil of Azariyya Islamic School, Tafo, Mile 6, near Kumasi in Ghana
Date: 2006Picture was taken after an interview with the principal and some member of his staff. This Islamic Education Unit Azariyya Islamic school has over 1,000 students from kindergarten to Senior secondary school at one location
Principal of Falahiyya Islamic School, Cape Coast
Date: 2006Falahiyya Islamic School is in Cape Coast and it is conducted as a public secular program K-9 (6 year primary and three year Junior Sec School). The picture was taken at the front veranda of school. Dr. Mark Sey (in white top) teaches Islamic Studies at the University of Cape Coast
Principal of Falahiyya Islamic School, Cape Coast
Date: 2006Falahiyya Islamic School is in Cape Coast and it is conducted as a public secular program K-9 (6 year primary and three year Junior Sec School). The picture was taken at the front veranda of school. Dr. Mark Sey (in white top) teaches Islamic Studies at the University of Cape Coast
Principal of Falahiyya Islamic School, Cape Coast
Date: 2006Principal Ahmed Tijan Hassan at his Office at the Falahiyya Islamic School in Cape Coast
The Most Holy Trinity Cathedral, Anglican Church (Accra) (1)
Date: 2006The Most Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Anglican Church on High Street (Accra). The High Street Church is the premise of the Office of the Anglican Bishop of Accra and the current Archbishop of the Province of West Africa, The Most Rev’d Dr. Justice O. Akrofi. The Anglican Church of Ghana, like other well established Christian organizations, peacefully co-exist with Muslims in the country.
The Most Holy Trinity Cathedral, Anglican Church (Accra) (2)
Date: 2006The Most Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Anglican Church on High Street (Accra). The High Street Church is the premise of the Office of the Anglican Bishop of Accra and the current Archbishop of the Province of West Africa, The Most Rev’d Dr. Justice O. Akrofi. The Anglican Church of Ghana, like other well established Christian organizations, peacefully co-exist with Muslims in the country.
Two Female Students at an Islamic/secular school
Date: 2006Two Female students dressed appropriately for school at the Azariyya Islamic Education Unit School
Women and Islamic Education
Date: 2006Madam Ayishetu Kadiri is a member of the Ghana Federation of Muslim Women-organization dedicated to the improvement of Muslim women.
Women and Islamic Education
Date: 2006Madam Mamuna Bintu al-Shaban is a trained and certified teacher at the Islamic Education Unit Azariyya Islamic school at Tafo (near Kumasi, in Ghana
Abura Sunni Mosque side by side Ahmadiyya Mosque) (1)
Sunni Mosque at the Cape Coast suburb of Abura (with minaret) is located side by side an Ahmadiyya Mosque (white building to the left in images 009 and 011). Despite initial conflict between Ahmadis and Sunni Muslims in Ghana during the 1920s, both Muslim groups live peacefully together- an image truly represented in the picture.
Abura Sunni Mosque side by side Ahmadiyya Mosque) (2)
Sunni Mosque at the Cape Coast suburb of Abura (with minaret) is located side by side an Ahmadiyya Mosque (white building to the left in images 009 and 011). Despite initial conflict between Ahmadis and Sunni Muslims in Ghana during the 1920s, both Muslim groups live peacefully together—an image truly represented in the picture.
Abura Sunni Mosque side by side Ahmadiyya Mosque) (3)
Sunni Mosque at the Cape Coast suburb of Abura (with minaret) is located side by side an Ahmadiyya Mosque (white building to the left in images 009 and 011). Despite initial conflict between Ahmadis and Sunni Muslims in Ghana during the 1920s, both Muslim groups live peacefully together—an image truly represented in the picture.
Ahmadiyya Mosque
Central Mosque of the Ahmadiyya Mission in Ghana at Accra (at the compound of the Mission Head Office at the Nyaniba Estate in Accra). This is one example of the several splendid mosques of the Ahmadiyya Mission in Ghana
Alhajj Banda Mosque, Accra (1)
Located at the Airport Residential area of Accra, near the Nyaho Clinic, the Alhajj Banda Mosque is one of the newer Muslim structures built in the overwhelmingly non-Muslim residential areas of the city of Accra—a possible sign of new wealth and mobility in the country. Alhajj Banda himself is a wealthy businessman and active promoter of the Muslim community since the mid-1950s. He is patron of the Islamic Education Fund.
Alhajj Banda Mosque, Accra (2)
Located at the Airport Residential area of Accra, near the Nyaho Clinic, the Alhajj Banda Mosque is one of the newer Muslim structures built in the overwhelmingly non-Muslim residential areas of the city of Accra—a possible sign of new wealth and mobility in the country. Alhajj Banda himself is a wealthy businessman and active promoter of the Muslim community since the mid-1950s. He is patron of the Islamic Education Fund.
Alhajj Rashid Gbandamoshi
Former Director of the Ghana Education Service, Alhajj Rashid Gbandamoshi is Registrar of the Islamic University College in Ghana. He was among the earliest persons in the Ghana Education Service to advocate for bringing the traditional Islamic Quranic education under a system that allowed students in these schools to be introduction of secular subjects.
Alhajj Shaibu Armiyawo, Islamic Education Unit
Alhajj Shaibu Armiyawo is (2005) Acting Manager of the Greater Accra Office of the Islamic Education Unit. A former graduate of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, Shaibu Armiyawo is a leading and dynamic advocator of secular education for Muslim children in Ghana.
Alhajj Umar Ibrahim Imam (Head of the Ahl-Sunnah al-Jamaat, Ghana) (1)
Alhajj Umar Ibrahim Imam (seated) is head of the Ahl-Sunnah al-Jamaat group in Ghana and also the proprietor of the Institute of Islamic Studies school in Nina (Accra). In picture are also three aides to the Imam (in caps) and Dr. Sey of the Department of Religious Studies at the extreme left (standing). The Al-Sunnah movement has a history of conflict with the majority traditional Tijaniyya. In recent times, however, peaceful relations have developed between the two Muslim groups.
Alhajj Umar Ibrahim Imam (Head of the Ahl-Sunnah al-Jamaat, Ghana) (2)
Alhajj Umar Ibrahim Imam (seated) is head of the Ahl-Sunnah al-Jamaat group in Ghana and also the proprietor of the Institute of Islamic Studies school in Nina (Accra). In picture are also three aides to the Imam (in caps) and Dr. Sey of the Department of Religious Studies at the extreme left (standing). The Al—Sunnah movement has a history of conflict with the majority traditional Tijaniyya. In recent times, however, peaceful relations have developed between the two Muslim groups.
Anglican School Block
The large structure (2-level yellow block) is a historical Anglican school of Accra. Built on the premise of The Most Holy Trinity Cathedral (High Street), the school has many famous alumni. Currently, the school is one of several Anglican Junior Secondary Schools in the country. On this same premise is also an Anglican Senior Secondary School.
Christian Council of Ghana Building
Front view of the Christian Council of Ghana building at Osu (Accra). The organization is a secretariat of the protestant churches of Ghana as a forum for joint action on issues—especially on political and religions reconciliation and conflict resolution.
Educational Complex: Institute of Islamic Education, Nima (1)
The building complex of the Institute of Islamic education. The program belongs to the Ahl-Sunnah Muslim group (described also as a Wahabi brotherhood). The co-educational Islamic institution subscribes to the secular cum Islamic religious education advocated under the Ghana Islamic Education Unit of the national education service.
Educational Complex: Institute of Islamic Education, Nima (2)
The building complex of the Institute of Islamic education. The program belongs to the Ahl-Sunnah Muslim group (described also as a Wahabi brotherhood). The co-educational Islamic institution subscribes to the secular cum Islamic religious education advocated under the Ghana Islamic Education Unit of the national education service.
Educational Complex: Institute of Islamic Education, Nima (3)
The building complex of the Institute of Islamic education. The program belongs to the Ahl-Sunnah Muslim group (described also as a Wahabi brotherhood). The co-educational Islamic institution subscribes to the secular cum Islamic religious education advocated under the Ghana Islamic Education Unit of the national education service.
Institute of Islamic Studies Students (1)
Pictures of students at the Institute of Islamic Studies complex at Nima (Accra). Though girls at the school wear the head cover, they mix with male students both in classes and at the playground. Students at the school range from the Junior Secondary level (in secular subject) to a Senior Secondary (in Islamic subjects).
Institute of Islamic Studies Students (2)
Pictures of students at the Institute of Islamic Studies complex at Nima (Accra). Though girls at the school wear the head cover, they mix with male students both in classes and at the playground. Students at the school range from the Junior Secondary level (in secular subject) to a Senior Secondary (in Islamic subjects).
Institute of Islamic Studies Students (3)
Pictures of students at the Institute of Islamic Studies complex at Nima (Accra). Though girls at the school wear the head cover, they mix with male students both in classes and at the playground. Students at the school range from the Junior Secondary level (in secular subject) to a Senior Secondary (in Islamic subjects).
Islamic Education (1)
The Adab Islamic Mission School at Nima, Accra. In picture (seated in second roll in cap) is Alhajj Zakaria (proprietor of school). Dr. Mark Sey of the Religious Studies Department at the University of Cape Coast is seated next to Alhajj Zakaria. The Muslim Junior Secondary School is one of many such programs providing secular education to Muslim children in the country.
Islamic Education (2)
The Adab Islamic Mission School at Nima, Accra. In picture (seated in second roll in cap) is Alhajj Zakaria (proprietor of school). Dr. Mark Sey of the Religious Studies Department at the University of Cape Coast is seated next to Alhajj Zakaria. The Muslim Junior Secondary School is one of many such programs providing secular education to Muslim children in the country.
Islamic University Education
At the entrance of the Islamic University College in Accra (Ghana). The Iranian Ahl-Bait Foundation-sponsored University College is the first tertiary Islamic institution in Ghana. In addition to religious education, the institution’s degree programs include undergraduate work in business, marketing, and accounting.
Kotobroaba Market Mosque, Cape Coast
Central Mosque of Cape Coast and the Central region of Ghana. Constructed at a strategic location of the Kotokroaba Market) (pre-1900 and improved upon over the decades), the mosque has a great presence as part of the important structures of this historic native, colonial, and modern city. As the market and automobile lot serving the market expanded over the years, the mosque has become very central to the Kotokroaba Market where many of the stores that stretch on the roadside are Muslim-owned.
Mamobi Mosque, Accra, showing dual minarets. (1)
From a major link road in Accra, the Mamobi Mosque is seen at a distance. The about two-mile stretch covering the Accra neighborhoods of Mamobi and Nima are overwhelmingly settled by Muslims. There are other Muslim neighborhoods in Accra (such as Fadame, Sukura, and Madina) not represented in the image.
Mamobi Mosque, Accra, showing dual minarets. (2)
From a major link road in Accra, the Mamobi Mosque is seen at a distance. The about two-mile stretch covering the Accra neighborhoods of Mamobi and Nima are overwhelmingly settled by Muslims. There are other Muslim neighborhoods in Accra (such as Fadame, Sukura, and Madina) not represented in the image.
Plaque
Plaque showing the map of Ghana with information about the distribution of Ahmadiyya Mission accomplishments in Ghana. Information shows number of healthcare facilities, mission offices, and schools.
Rev. Professor Elom Dovlo
Reverend Dr. Elom Dovlo is professor of Religious Studies at the University of Ghana (Legon). Though his main scholarship is on the history of Christianity in Ghana, he is also known for his work with Muslim scholars whose research products are on various aspects of Islam in Ghana.
Village Mosque and School (Primary School) (1)
Muslim administered secular primary school structure next to a Mosque. A perfect representation of the wave of Muslim-sponsored schools under the Ghana Islamic Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service. The picture represented here is the village of Nyinasin Muslim Mosque and School in the Central Region near Kakum.
Village Mosque and School (Primary School) (2)
Muslim administered secular primary school structure next to a Mosque. A perfect representation of the wave of Muslim-sponsored schools under the Ghana Islamic Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service. The picture represented here is the village of Nyinasin Muslim Mosque and School in the Central Region near Kakum.
