The Separation of Church and State Under Ghana's Fourth Republic

Abstract

Ghana is religiously diverse. Data from the country’s Statistical Service indicates that as of 2010, 71.2% of the population was Christian, 17.6% was Muslim, and 5.2% were adherents of traditional religious beliefs. Non-believers accounted for only 5.3%. Believers other than believers of the three main religions were less than 1%. Despite the diversity, the country has enjoyed peaceful co-existence among all sects and denominations; sectarian violence is a rare phenomenon. Controversies about religious discrimination and stereotypes, and government over indulgence of religion are, however, not uncommon. This article examines the vexed question of separation of church and state in Ghana. It seeks to identify what the country’s religious identity is — whether secular or otherwise — and the implication of that identity for religious expression in public life.

Keywords: Ghana, religion, Hijab, first amendment, establishment clause, secularism