Transformations in Islamic Education in Ghana

by David Owusu-Ansah

Images

Abura Sunni Mosque side by side Ahmadiyya Mosque) (1)

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)

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)

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.
Accra Central Mosque (1)

Accra Central Mosque (1)

Date: 2005
The 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)

Accra Central Mosque (2)

Date: 2005
The 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.
After afternoon prayers at the Fadame Residence Mosque of the National Chief Imam

After afternoon prayers at the Fadame Residence Mosque of the National Chief Imam

Date: 2006
Three men sitting in front of the Fadame Mosque after afternoon prayers.
Ahmadiyya Mosque

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)

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)

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 Braimah Bari

Alhajj Braimah Bari

Date: 2005
Alhajj 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.
Alhajj Rashid Gbandamoshi

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, 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 (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 (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

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

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.
Dr. Mark Sey

Dr. Mark Sey

Date: 2005
Dr. 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.
Dr. Sey with National Chief Imam

Dr. Sey with National Chief Imam

Date: 2006
A visit to the National Chief Imam. Sheikh Sharubutu seated and Dr. Sey knelling.
Educational Complex: Institute of Islamic Education, Nima (1)

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)

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)

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.
Fadame Residence of National Chief Imam

Fadame Residence of National Chief Imam

Date: 2006
Residence of National Imam from the roadside view
Imam Husayn Mosque

Imam Husayn Mosque

Date: 2005
The 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.
Institute of Islamic Studies Students (1)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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.
Male Students at an Islamic-secular school

Male Students at an Islamic-secular school

Date: 2006
Male students dressed appropriately for school at the Azariyya Islamic Education Unit School.
Mamobi Mosque, Accra, showing dual minarets. (1)

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)

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.
Maulvi Amir Wahab bin Adam (1)

Maulvi Amir Wahab bin Adam (1)

Date: 2005
The 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)

Maulvi Amir Wahab bin Adam (2)

Date: 2005
The 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)

Maulvi Amir Wahab bin Adam (3)

Date: 2005
The 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

Mosque, Ghana

Date: 2005
The 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

Most Rev. Dr. Archbishop of West Africa and Bishop of Accra

Date: 2005
Bishop of Accra, and Archbishop of the Province of West Africa
Mumuni Sulemana

Mumuni Sulemana

Date: 2005
Mr. 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.
National Chief Imam of Ghana

National Chief Imam of Ghana

Date: 2006
National Chief Imam Nuhu Sharubutu is a leader in the provision of Islamic religious education in Ghana
Plaque

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.
Principal Muhammad Kamil of Azariyya Islamic School, Tafo, Mile 6, near Kumasi in Ghana

Principal Muhammad Kamil of Azariyya Islamic School, Tafo, Mile 6, near Kumasi in Ghana

Date: 2006
Picture 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

Principal of Falahiyya Islamic School, Cape Coast

Date: 2006
Falahiyya 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

Principal of Falahiyya Islamic School, Cape Coast

Date: 2006
Falahiyya 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

Principal of Falahiyya Islamic School, Cape Coast

Date: 2006
Principal Ahmed Tijan Hassan at his Office at the Falahiyya Islamic School in Cape Coast
Rev. Dr. Nathan Samwini

Rev. Dr. Nathan Samwini

Date: 2005
Picture 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.
Rev. Professor Elom Dovlo

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.
The Most Holy Trinity Cathedral, Anglican Church (Accra) (1)

The Most Holy Trinity Cathedral, Anglican Church (Accra) (1)

Date: 2006
The 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)

The Most Holy Trinity Cathedral, Anglican Church (Accra) (2)

Date: 2006
The 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

Two Female Students at an Islamic/secular school

Date: 2006
Two Female students dressed appropriately for school at the Azariyya Islamic Education Unit School
Village Mosque and School (Primary School) (1)

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)

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.
Village Mosque and School (Primary School) (3)

Village Mosque and School (Primary School) (3)

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.
Women and Islamic Education

Women and Islamic Education

Date: 2006
Madam Ayishetu Kadiri is a member of the Ghana Federation of Muslim Women-organization dedicated to the improvement of Muslim women.
Women and Islamic Education

Women and Islamic Education

Date: 2006
Madam Mamuna Bintu al-Shaban is a trained and certified teacher at the Islamic Education Unit Azariyya Islamic school at Tafo (near Kumasi, in Ghana