Ahmadiyya has made a lasting impact on Ghana’s religious landscape.
At the 91st National Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, held in Pomadze near Winneba, Alhaj Ahmad Suleman Anderson, the Deputy Head (Naib Ameer II) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, provided a reflective account of the significant influence the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has had on the religious, educational, and social fabric of the country. According to Anderson, the history of the Ahmadiyya Mission in Ghana represents a powerful story of faith, resilience, and its commitment to community service and development. He highlighted how, from its humble beginnings, the mission has evolved into one of the most prominent religious communities in the country, leaving an indelible mark on Ghana’s religious and social landscape.
In his speech titled “A Century of Islamic Revival in Ghana,” Anderson pointed to the crucial role that the Ahmadiyya community has played in various sectors, particularly in education, healthcare, and the promotion of moral values. He emphasized that through their contributions, the Ahmadiyya community has not only advanced the cause of Islam in Ghana but has also helped shape the nation’s social and cultural development. “As a result of the contributions of the Ahmadiyya Community in this country, Islam and Muslims stand tall in all aspects of our national life,” he remarked. His words underscored the community’s vital position within the broader national framework.
Anderson also praised the Ahmadiyya community for setting a high standard for other Muslim groups in the country. He noted that the broader Muslim population in Ghana looks to the Ahmadiyya community as a model for leadership, particularly in the realms of education, health, and the general welfare of Muslims. “In this country, it is a truism that all other Muslims look up to Ahmadiyyat to set the pace,” he stated, adding that it is through the collective efforts of the Ahmadiyya community that many issues affecting Muslims and the nation as a whole have been addressed.
Furthermore, Anderson called on Ahmadi Muslims to continue upholding their leadership role and to take pride in the responsibility they have in shaping the future of Islam in Ghana. “This is an honour we should not reject,” he said, urging fellow community members to live their lives in ways that bring honor to Islam and the Holy Prophet. He stressed that it was not enough for Ahmadi Muslims to merely profess their faith; they must embody its values in their daily lives, setting a strong example for others to follow.
Reflecting on the historical journey of the Ahmadiyya community in Ghana, Anderson highlighted the community’s early efforts to introduce secular education among Muslims, which faced considerable opposition from traditional Muslim clerics at the time. Before the arrival of the Ahmadiyya Mission, many Muslims in Ghana were perceived as uneducated and relegated to manual labor, with little emphasis on formal schooling. The mission’s introduction of secular education was groundbreaking and played a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions of Islam in the country.
Anderson recounted the moment in the early 1920s when a group of Fante Muslims, inspired by divine guidance, reached out to the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya community, requesting a missionary to be sent to the Gold Coast (now Ghana). In response, the Khalifa sent Alhaj Maulana Abdur Rahim Nayyar, a devoted disciple of the Promised Messiah, to establish the Ahmadiyya movement in the region. Maulana Nayyar arrived in the Gold Coast on February 28, 1921, marking the beginning of a new era for Islam in the country.
Maulana Nayyar’s missionary work focused on spreading the message of Islam while promoting the integration of Islamic teachings with modern, secular education. His efforts paved the way for the growth of the Ahmadiyya community, and by the time he left the country in December 1921, the foundation for the movement’s continued expansion had been laid. Anderson explained that Maulana Nayyar’s pioneering work was crucial in overcoming the initial resistance to education within the Muslim community, demonstrating the value of secular education in complementing religious teachings.
Today, a century later, the Ahmadiyya community is an integral part of Ghana’s national life, playing a central role in promoting social development and advancing the welfare of Muslims across the country. The community’s commitment to service, education, and interfaith dialogue has ensured that Ahmadi Muslims are recognized for their positive contributions to Ghanaian society. Anderson concluded by stressing that the community’s enduring legacy of service and faith continues to inspire future generations, and the work of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana is far from over. Through their continued efforts, they are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for the nation.
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