Religion in Ghana

Christianity is the largest religion in Ghana, with 71.3% of the population belonging to various Christian denominations as of 2021 census.^[2] Islam is practised by 19.9% of the total population. According to a report by the Pew Research, 51% of Muslims are followers of Sunni Islam, while approximately 16% belong to the Ahmadiyya movement and around 8% identify with Shia Islam, while the remainder are non-denominational Muslims.^[3][4] Traditional religions such as the Akan Traditional Religion^[5] and Dagbon Traditional Religion^[6] are indigenous. Islam was the first Abrahamic religion to be introduced in the country between the tenth^[7] and 15th centuries,^[8] by Muslim traders.^[9] Later, Christianity was introduced via contact with the European missionaries.^[10][11] Christianity is mainly in the country's south^[12] while Islam is based in the north.^[13] Islam gained widespread acceptance in northern Ghana after Yaa Naa Zanjina accepted the faith in the 17th century.^[14][15][16]

Ghana is a secular state and the country's constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship. Christmas, Easter, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are recognised as national holidays.^[4]