Gonja in Ghana

The Gonja have only been reported in Ghana
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Gonja people reside in northern Ghana, with some communities also found in Togo. Originally, they migrated from the Hausa tribe of Nigeria. The people speak the Gonja language, which belongs to the Guang branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Their language is rich in proverbs, stories, and songs, which play a vital role in passing down their cultural heritage.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gonja people are predominantly petty farmers and traders. Women play a vital role in childcare and education, often taking responsibility for paying their children's school fees. Charcoal burning is a significant economic activity for women, which they engage in throughout the year to sell in markets. The Gonja people cultivate maize, yams, and sorghum, relying on donkeys as their primary mode of transportation. They also raise cattle, sheep and goats.

A strong sense of community and respect for tradition characterizes Gonja culture. They place great emphasis on hospitality, generosity and cooperation. Their traditional clothing, music and dance are also essential components of their cultural identity. The Gonja people celebrate various festivals throughout the year, which often coincide with important agricultural events or Islamic holidays.

Gonja society is organized around a complex system of clans, lineages and family ties. Their traditional leadership structure is based on a council of elders who make decisions for the community. This system is still revered today, with many Gonja communities maintaining strong ties to their traditional leaders.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Over half are Muslim, and the number of Christians is barely negligible. As Muslims, they depend on the teachings of the Koran as presented by religious leaders. They were attracted to Islam because of the promised healing powers and the power of Islamic prayers. Others were attracted for economic reasons; Islam offered trade opportunities with Arab traders.


What Are Their Needs?

The Gonjas need to understand that Jesus answers prayers and gives us true guidance through life s difficulties.


Prayer Points

Pray that the Gonja people will be receptive to outsiders establishing schools in their communities.
Pray for spiritual illumination, that their eyes will be opened to the truth of God's word.
Pray for the raising of disciples among the Gonja people, whose hearts have been hardened to the gospel.
Pray that Gonja men will recognize their responsibilities and begin to care for their wives and children.


Scripture Prayers for the Gonja in Ghana.


References

Bunmi Loveth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonja_people
https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/gonja.html


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Gonja
People Name in Country Gonja
Alternate Names Choruba; Guang; Ngbanyito
Population this Country 422,000
Population all Countries 422,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 8
PeopleID3 11925
ROP3 Code 103437
Country Ghana
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Northern region: upper basin of Volta lake area; Brong-Ahafo region: Kintampa North district, separate area to west.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Ghana
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Northern region: upper basin of Volta lake area; Brong-Ahafo region: Kintampa North district, separate area to west..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.50 %)
0.60 %
Ethnic Religions
38.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
61.40 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Gonja (422,000 speakers)
Language Code gjn   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Gonja (422,000 speakers)
Language Code gjn   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Gonja
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source Bryan Nicholson / cartoMission  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.