The evolution of Islamic Education in Northern Ghana

This study examined the evolution of Islamic Education in Northern Ghana. It traced the history of Islamic Education through missionaries responsible for the introduction of Islamic Education, the methodology of instruction, the organisation of content and funding among others. It further looked at the rejection of western style of secular education by parents and early Islamic converts and their teachers. The study adopted qualitative methodology and used historical research design. A sample of 24 participants were purposively selected and interviewed. Data was also obtained from documentary analysis of articles, journals, archival records, books, letters and minutes from education commissioners of the northern territories. It was found that the Hausa, the Wangara, the Larbanga, etcetera who were mostly traders were those who introduced Islam and Islamic education in Northern Ghana, the kind of education introduced were neither organised nor formal and funding was done by the local people while the chiefs provided land to support the educational efforts of the missionaries. It was recommended that Ghanaian traders both men and women should emulate the example of the earlier traders by funding Islamic education not only in Northern Ghana but also the entire country.