Navigating the Evolving Role of Faith-Based Initiatives in Community Development
The initial spectrum of Muslim NGOs in Ghana was rather limited until the first decade of the twenty-first century. Aside from some national organizations like the Muslim Relief Association Ghana (MURAG), Muslim Family Counselling Services (MFCS), and Islamic Council for Development and Humanitarian Services (ICODEHS), most Muslim faith-based initiatives were linked to ethnic or sectarian groups – the various Tijani and Salafi associations, or the Lebanese, Ahmadi, Shia or Ibadi communities.
However, the past two decades have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the landscape of Muslim NGOs in Ghana. This chapter explores the actors and changing dynamics that have shaped this evolving sphere, highlighting the rise of local philanthropists, the expansion of international Muslim charities, and the emergence of a new generation of youth-led initiatives.
The Rise of Muslim Philanthropists
One of the most significant developments has been the swelling number of local Muslim philanthropists. This growth is, at least in part, a reflection of the emergence of a relatively affluent Muslim middle-class amidst Ghana’s booming economy during the 2010s.
Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim is among the most esteemed figures in this regard, earning several high-ranking and influential positions within the Ghanaian Muslim community over the past two decades. Other notable scholar-turned-founders of NGOs include Sheikh Alhaji Baba Issa (Muslim Family Counselling Services), Sheikh Abdurrahman Muhammad (Ansarudeen organization), Sheikh Abdul Nasiru-Deen (Paragon Foundation), Sheikh Firdaus Ladan (Lean On Me Foundation), Sheikh Alhassan Nuhu (Faith Dawah Foundation), and Sheikh Alhaji Yusif Dauda Garibah (Adabiyya Islamic Society), to name a few.
Alongside these religious leaders, Muslim business entrepreneurs have also emerged as key philanthropists. Figures like Abdul Mannan Ibrahim (Al-Mannan Charity Foundation), Haji Abubakar Yakubu Batalima (Society for the Assistance for Orphans and Disabled), and Alhaji Yusif Ibrahim (Alhaji Yusif Ibrahim Foundation) have leveraged their entrepreneurial success to establish charitable initiatives targeting education, health, and community development.
Importantly, these philanthropists often combine their social and economic aspirations, using their NGOs and social media platforms as vehicles for religious outreach and “entrepreneurial Islam.” Haji Saeed Hamid Jallo, Sheikh Sani Kuwait, and Abubakar Sadiq Hussein exemplify this trend, blending humanitarian work with daʿwa (proselytization) activities.
The Expansion of International Muslim Charities
Alongside the rise of local philanthropists, the past two decades have also witnessed a significant expansion of international Muslim charities and semi-state bodies operating in Ghana. This evolving landscape can be divided into three distinct phases:
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Phase I (1980s-2000): The initial wave of international Muslim NGOs, such as the Iranian Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ahlul-Bait Foundation, and the Libyan World Islamic Call Society, focused largely on the construction of mosques and the provision of aid during periods of drought and famine.
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Phase II (2000-2012): This phase saw the advent of Western Muslim charities and Islamic solidarity-based organizations, including the Zakat Foundation of America, Al-Muntada Aid, and Muslim Aid. Their activities expanded beyond daʿwa to encompass humanitarian, educational, and water/sanitation projects.
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Phase III (2012-present): The most recent phase has been marked by a reconstitution of the Muslim NGO landscape, including the massive influx of Turkish charities (e.g., Kimse Yok Mu, HUDAI, Deniz Feneri) and the growing presence of Western, non-Arab, and non-Gulf Muslim INGOs (e.g., Muslim Aid Australia, Muslim Global Relief, Caravan of Mercy).
Prominent examples of influential international Muslim charities in Ghana include:
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Direct Aid Society (Kuwait): One of the most visible players, with a focus on education, water, health, orphans, and poverty alleviation. It has collaborated extensively with Ghana’s ministries and governmental agencies.
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Qatar Charity: Established a regional office in Accra in 2017, greatly expanding its visibility and direct implementation of projects, particularly in the areas of water, sanitation, education, and healthcare.
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Emirates Red Crescent: Has worked through local partners like ICODEHS to fund the construction of schools, mosques, and medical facilities across Ghana.
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Muslim World League (Saudi Arabia): Launched large-scale humanitarian projects in Ghana, including an orphans’ sponsorship program and the establishment of a vocational training center.
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King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre (KSRelief, Saudi Arabia): Became actively engaged in Ghana in 2017, investing in water, sanitation, and food aid projects.
The influx of international Muslim charities has significantly expanded the scope and scale of faith-based development initiatives in Ghana, reaching beyond the traditional focus on mosques and madrasas to encompass a broader range of social, educational, and economic empowerment programs.
The Rise of Youth-Led Initiatives
Particularly noteworthy has been the mushrooming of Muslim youth-led NGOs and community-based organizations during the 2010s. Enabled by the rapid expansion of social media, these initiatives have transcended local boundaries, mobilizing followers and resources across Ghana and the global Ghanaian diaspora.
These youth-led groups can be broadly categorized into three types:
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Daʿwa-focused organizations: These groups, often led by imams or affiliated with particular Muslim sects, use social media to raise funds and awareness for mosque construction, Quranic education, and humanitarian relief efforts.
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Community development and empowerment initiatives: Spearheaded by young activists, these groups focus on addressing the socioeconomic challenges facing Zongo (Muslim-majority) communities, championing causes such as education, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.
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Women-led NGOs: Reflecting the growing role of Muslim women in civil society, organizations like the Annisaa Foundation, Achievers Ghana, and the Muslimah Mentorship Network have emerged to empower women and girls through education, health, and livelihood programs.
Prominent examples of youth-led initiatives include:
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COZY (Change for Zongo Youth): Launched in 2016, this Accra-based group has been at the forefront of the movement to counter negative stereotypes about Zongo communities and empower the youth through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
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ZongoVationHub: Operated by founder and CEO Mahmoud Jajah, this Accra-based NGO has become a leading hub for digital skills training, tech entrepreneurship, and sustainable development initiatives targeting Zongo communities.
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Zongo Youth for Unity and Sustainable Development of Ghana (ZYUSDG): This Kumasi-based group has tackled environmental degradation and sanitation issues in Zongo areas through advocacy, community clean-up drives, and skill-building programs.
The rise of these youth-led initiatives has been driven by a collective desire for self-empowerment, community transformation, and the need to challenge the negative stereotyping of Zongo communities. Social media has been a crucial enabler, allowing these groups to transcend local boundaries, mobilize resources, and amplify their voices on a national and even global scale.
Conclusion
The changing landscape of Muslim NGOs in Ghana over the past two decades reflects the dynamism and diversity of faith-based development efforts in the country. From the emergence of local philanthropists to the influx of international charities and the proliferation of youth-led initiatives, this evolving sphere has become an increasingly influential force in shaping the social, economic, and religious landscape of Ghanaian communities.
As these faith-based organizations continue to innovate and adapt to the needs of their beneficiaries, they will undoubtedly play a vital role in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Ghana’s Muslim communities. By harnessing the power of entrepreneurial Islam, international solidarity, and youth-led activism, these NGOs are poised to drive sustainable development, foster social cohesion, and empower marginalized populations – ultimately contributing to the betterment of the nation as a whole.
The Joint Action for Water blog is proud to highlight this evolving story and encourages its readers to engage with the diverse array of faith-based initiatives shaping the future of Ghana’s communities.
