Gold Coast Ghana - 20% Muslim
This is Ghana
As a potential development model for Africa, clarity of vision is vital.
After rejecting the Gospel for years, "Malik" is now on fire for the Lord. He has turned from extremist to evangelist. He got hold of the Jesus Film and showed it in "Hochim" village in the north. Islam came to this area some 400 years ago. Illiteracy in this farming village of 5,000 is very high. Still, many heard the Gospel joyfully. A follow-up trip to the village revealed 91 people had given their lives to Christ. Many brought their talisman for burning. The new Christians have faced opposition however. The wives of the new believers cannot grind their grain in the only grinding mill in the village owned by a Muslim.
Ghana's Crossroads
Ghana is at a crossroads. Areas in the north of the country are strongly Muslim whereas the south of the country is predominately Christian. New, cement-built mosques are rising up among grass huts of villages. Money from countries such as Libya and Saudi Arabia are helping every village to have its own mosque. Islam originated in the north through merchants from the adjacent Western Sudan, and through immigrants from Hausaland.
Capital Accra
In the south, the atmosphere is quite different. A walk around the old area of James Town in the capital Accra gives an example. Many shops have a bible truth on their sign posts. "Jesus Loves You Beauty Salon", "God is Life Telecommunications Centre". Perhaps that is why Ghana has one of the highest economic growth rates on the continent.
The gold rush
The Portuguese who came to Ghana in the 15th Century found so much gold between the rivers Ankobra and the Volta that they named the place Mina - meaning Mine. The name "Gold Coast" was later adopted by the English. Today Ghana is an island of stability in a region struggling to find its way. It is renowned for some of the friendliest people in Africa, many of whom are well educated. Still, HIV / AIDS and areas of extreme poverty tarnish the gloss of cities like Accra, but progress has been made.
Points for Praise and Prayer:
* There are many good outreach programs in Ghana including music projects, gospel recordings and the use of choirs.
* Despite the poverty levels in many places, Ghanaians love God. But Islam is making inroads. Pray for ministries working in predominantly Muslim north and amongst Muslim groups.
* Radio and Television are strongly Christian based. But secular organizations are making efforts to reverse this trend. Pray for our networks to remain Christian oriented.
* Government: Many of our leaders profess Christ. Please pray that they will practice His principles in government.
* Items given to the very poor and needy include: educational materials, hospital equipment, clothing, food and water. Pray this practical end of the ministry will be blessed and used in the spreading of the Good News and follow-up discipleship.
Background on Ghana (World Factbook)
Once a center of the slave trade, Ghana was the first modern African country to win its independence, in this case from Britain - giving it a head-start in nation building. The people of Ghana are proud of their country - it has good schools, a thriving press and one of the highest potentials for growth and stability on the continent. Its beautiful beaches, variety of landscapes and friendly people make it a joy to visit. Ghana is home to the world's largest artificial lake, Lake Volta. The football world was delighted to see Ghanaians top their group over rivals South Africa and play in the World Cup in Germany in 2006.
Economy of Ghana
Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has roughly twice the per capita output of the poorest countries in West Africa. Even so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Gold, timber, and cocoa production are major sources of foreign exchange. The domestic economy continues to revolve around subsistence agriculture, which accounts for 37% of GDP and employs 60% of the work force, mainly small landholders.
Statistics on Ghana
Population: 23,832,495 (July 2009 est.) - See note below. World Rank #48
Life expectancy at birth: 59.85 years. World Rank #184
Ethnic groups: Akan 45.3%, Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan 4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8%
Religions: Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1%
Languages: Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%, Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme 4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga 3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official))
Literacy: 57.9%
School Life Expectancy: 9 years
Population Note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected.
Ghana Youth Photo Project - Video
Sights and sounds and ideas, from Ghana
In Northern Ghana (Tamale area) I personally saw how the dental clinic brought in 30 Muslims each day and were presented the radical gospel message. My first full day there I witnessed as two Emam's made confession in Christ (as did apx. 10 others). A few days later I personally prayed with two groups of women (apx. 10) and my team apx. 8 others who were excited to hear of Christ and asked for more. The last day of ministry we saw a village chief pray with us and ask many questions. These were ALL Muslims. I pray that the follow up and Discipleship will continue.
It is not an accident that we were there and I know the prayers of the saints were the partnership that allotted us the grace to go forward in our Lord's name.
The loud speakers resounding throughout the no-electricity-no-running-water villages was very sad to my ears. I found it very distracting especially when no one could understand the language it was being prayed in. The rituals of the washing and the exact forms of prayers... My eyes have been opened a little more to this religion which has been steeped in satans lies needs our prayers - and love.