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Title	Ghana: Conflicts between "traditionalists" and the "Al Sunna" faction of the Muslim community including the cause of the conflicts and any sectarian killings since 1995 in Ghana particularly in Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo region
Publisher	Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
Country	Ghana
Publication Date	1 July 1998
Citation / Document Symbol	GHA29654.E
Cite as	Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ghana: Conflicts between "traditionalists" and the "Al Sunna" faction of the Muslim community including the cause of the conflicts and any sectarian killings since 1995 in Ghana particularly in Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo region, 1 July 1998, GHA29654.E, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/3ae6acc00.html [accessed 27 May 2012]
Disclaimer	This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Ghana: Conflicts between "traditionalists" and the "Al Sunna" faction of the Muslim community including the cause of the conflicts and any sectarian killings since 1995 in Ghana particularly in Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo region

Religious conflicts between two Muslim sects, the "Al Sunna" and "Tidjania" (traditionalist) have been reported in different parts of Ghana including Wenchi since 1995 (ARB Jan. 1998, 12947; Jan. 1996,12092; Oct. 1995, AFP 28 Jan.1998; 11 Dec. 1997; 16 June 1995; AAPS 16 Nov. 1995; Ghana Focus 6 Feb. 1998; 19 Jan. 1998; 15 Dec. 1997).

Inter-Muslim conflict in Kumasi and Wenchi is attributed to "doctrinal disputes"( the "traditionalists" viewing the young "Al-Sunna reformists" as unholy (AAPS 16 Nov. 1995). However, recent clashes between the two sects were reportedly sparked by a dispute over "a burial ground" (Ghana Focus 6 Feb. 1998; 19 Jan. 1998). Members of the Tidjania sect reportedly prevented the Al Sunna from burying their member in the cemetry claiming that the Al-Suna had not contributed to its maintenance. Four people died and 24 others sustained "serious injuries" (ibid.), and 90 others were arrested.

For additional information on the inter-clashes between Muslim factions in Wenchi in 1995, 1997 and 1998, please refer to the attached documents.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series. January 1998. Vol. 34. No. 2. "Ghana."

______. January 1996. Vol. 32. No. 12. "Ghana: Religious Intolerance Intensifies."

____. October 1995. Vol. 32. No. 9. ""Ghana."

All Africa Press Service (AAPS). 16 November 1995. "New Religious Tension Mounts." (Africa News Service Nov. 1995/NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 28 January 1998. "Rival Moslem Sect Clashes in Northern Ghana Claim Fifth Life." (NEXIS)

_____. 11 December 1997. "Soldiers, Police Deploy After Clashes Between Ghanaian Sects." (NEXIS)

_____. 16 June 1995. "One Dead, Four Injured in Inter-Moslem Clash." (NEXIS)

Ghana Focus [Accra]. 6 February 1998. "Ghana: Police Grab Muslim Who Murdered a Woman During Riots." (Africa News Service 6 Feb. 1998/NEXIS)

_____. 19 January 1998. "Ghana: Four Dead and Several Injured As Muslims Clash in Ghana." (Africa News Service 19 Jan. 1998/NEXIS)

_____. 15 December 1997. "Ghana: Muslim Riots Spread in the Northern Part of Ghana." (Africa News Service 15 Dec. 1997/NEXIS)

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