Accra: Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has announced plans by the government to compile comprehensive data on religious institutions in the country to strengthen collaboration with faith-based organisations.

He said the initiative had become necessary following a recent question raised in Parliament regarding the number of churches, mosques, shrines and other religious institutions operating in the country.

According to him, the question highlighted the absence of reliable and up-to-date data on religious bodies, making it difficult for the government to effectively coordinate engagement with them in national development efforts.

The minister made this known during a tour to the heads of Muslim communities in Accra, where food items were donated to support the observance of the holy month of Ramadan.

He explained that the proposed registration exercise would therefore help the ministry develop a credible national database of religious institutions.

He assured religious leaders that the exercise was not intended for the state to pry into the internal affairs of churches, mosques or other religious organisations, but rather to foster stronger collaboration between government and faith-based bodies.

“Government recognises the critical role religious institutions play in promoting peace, unity and moral development, and we want to strengthen that partnership for national development,” he said.

He also addressed discussions in Parliament regarding the registration and documentation of religious bodies in the country, stating that the issue arose after a Member of Parliament for Kwadaso asked about the number of shrines, churches, and mosques in Ghana.

Consultations with the Ministry and the Registrar-General’s Department revealed that many religious institutions register as companies limited by guarantee rather than as religious bodies.

The minister explained that the parliamentary discussion was meant to encourage transparency and provide a clearer understanding of Ghana’s religious landscape.

He stressed that the matter was not a government directive or policy from the President but part of parliamentary deliberations aimed at drawing attention to issues affecting the sector.

“We are not seeking to control religious bodies. What we want is clarity about the religious space we operate in as a country,” he added.

The minister said the Ghana Statistical Service had provided population estimates for various religious groups, but engaging faith-based leaders would ensure more accurate information about their membership.

He assured religious institutions that the government would continue to provide the necessary space to operate freely while promoting transparency and cooperation among all faiths.