The Question of Religious Authority: Ga Converts and Non-Indigenes in Muslim Identity Politics in Postcolonial Accra
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Date
2023
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Merian Institute for Advances Studies in Africa (MIASA)
Abstract
This contribution to the working paper focuses on the religious conversion to Islam of some Ga ethnic
people, their role in the Islamic revival and their impact on founding Muslim communities in postcolonial
Accra. Ga converts have considered themselves as relevant to assuming religious authority positions in
Accra, which was already dominated by Muslims of migrant descent. The issues of representation and
integration have been a challenge for Muslims of diverse backgrounds in the Islamic sphere in Accra. The
study demonstrates that while the Ga converts have highlighted their unique background in secular
education as well as being the indigenes of Accra, the Muslims of migrant origin have questioned the place
of converts in religious proselytization.
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Journal Article
Keywords
Islam, Ga ethnic group, Accra, Ghana, migrant, religious authority