Ghana, a West African nation, boasts a rich and diverse history shaped by various civilizations, cultures, and traditions. From its pre-colonial kingdoms to its modern-day identity, Ghana's story is one of resilience and cultural richness.
This article delves into the history and culture of Madina, a suburb of Accra, Ghana, exploring its origins, its diverse population, and the unique aspects of its cultural landscape.
Map of Ghana showing the Greater Accra Region where Madina is located.
The Historical Roots of Madina
Madina is a suburb of Accra, located within the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal District in the Greater Accra Region of southeastern Ghana. Situated next to the University of Ghana, it also houses the Institute of Local Government. Madina stands on land belonging to the La stool (state), with the area being referred to as "La Hee" by the La people of Accra.
Professor Mary Esther Kropp Dakubu explains that Madina town was founded on 4 June 1959 out of La-Nkwantanang under the leadership of Alhaji Seidu Kardo after he and his people had to leave an earlier village on La land near Shiashi, close to the airport and the motorway.
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History has it that Alhaji Seidu Kardo and his people had settled on the Shiashi land given to them by La Mantse,Nii Adjei Onano and his successor Nii Anyertei Kwakwaranya II. As a result of increasing population at Shiashi, Alhaji Seidu requested for a new land for his people and he was given land at mile 10, very close to the existing La village, Nkwantanang (Crossroads).
The name Madina (from Arabic: almaˈdiːna, which is means ‘the city` in Arabic and also refers city of western Saudi Arabia north of Mecca and holy site for Muslim pilgrims and where the Mosque of the Prophet, containing Muhammad's tomb, is situated) was given to the new land by Alhaji Seidu Kardo, with the approval of the La Mantse, Nii Anyetei Kwakwaranya II and his council, at a function on 22 October 1959.
After the resolution on the name Madina, in 1964, Alhaji Seidu Kardo was formally installed as headman of Madina by Paul Tagoe, the First Parliamentary Secretary with the approval of the La Traditional Council headed by Nii Anyetei Kwakwaranya II. The allodial rights in the land were held by the La Mantse and the La state; a portion of the land was reserved for the use of La (badi) people.
A Multi-Ethnic Community
Madina is the twelfth most populous settlement in Ghana, with a population of 137,162 people. Madina was established by people from different ethnic backgrounds and some foreigners led by Alhaji Seidu Kardo.
The original population of the people which moved with Alhaji Seidu comprise total initial population of 849 persons, including 81 from Nkwantanang: 30% Ga and Dangme, 12.8% Ewe, 0.7% Akan (1 individual), 23.6% northern Ghanaian, and 32.9% non-Ghanaian (from the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria).
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Thus by the 1990s, each ethnic group had its own community head, and Alhaji Seidu' s son, Baaba, was recognised as Chief of Madina by at least some of them.
Religious Co-existence
In Madina, the majority of residents are Muslims and Christians, with a few practicing traditional religions. Across Africa, Christians and Muslims live in shared communities and neighbourhoods, defining themselves in distinction to each other and at times engaging in heavy, violent conflicts, but also being entangled in complicated ways and showing unexpected similarities.
There are many multi-religious families, and people art part of multi-religious networks in their neighborhoods, in schools, and community associations and political groups.
The Madina-project explores the historical and contemporary modalities of this co-existence in the multi-religious and multi-ethnic suburb Madina, Accra, over a period of five years.
The central concern of the Madina-project is to explore modalities of co-existence of Christians and Muslims (as well as people devoted to African religion more or less openly) in Madina Zongo - the quarters hosting (Muslim) strangers - and beyond.
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Focusing on everyday life, we are interested in how people actually do co-existence. This means taking into account practices of relating to and acknowledging each other, as well as rules and regulations on the part of the state and municipality, religious authorities and traditional institutions.
Our research on co-existence focuses on certain sites, events and encounters in which Muslims and Christians interact from a material angle, including health-seeking behavior, contested spaces, the market and practices with regard to the sale and purchase of food in the light of religious preferences and taboos, everyday relations between Muslim and Christian women, education and the role of religion in public, Muslim and Christian schools, as well as Christian mission activities among Muslims.
As an expert on Muslim-Christian relations in Africa, Johnson Mbillah acts as advisor.
Education and Institutions
Education in Madina can be categorised into Government, religious and private. Some tertiary and second cycle schools located within the municipality includes and not limited to University of Professional Studies formerly known as the Institute of professional Studies, Islamic University College Ghana established with the aim of providing quality tertiary education to the youths, especially Muslim and the less-privileged or marginalised communities in Ghana, Wisconsin International University.
Accra College of Education is the only public teacher training college located in Accra.
Political Landscape
The multiparty system in Ghana permits citizens to freely join any political party of their choice. Parliamentary aspirants from the two main political parties won the parliamentary elections between 2005 and 2020 to become members of parliament. Members of parliament from 2005 to date are Alhaji Bukari Amadu Sorogho, who was a member of Parliament from 2005 to 2017, Alhaji Abu-bakar, and Saddique Boniface 2017 - 2021.
The Vibrant Madina Market
Madina market is one of the biggest and most vibrant markets in Accra. Located on the Chief Alhaji Seidu Street, popularly known as Old road. It spans from Madina Zongo junction to Madina Polyclinic, Kekele, the main entrance can be found opposite to the Madina Divisional Police Station. Vendors, sellers and providers of services at the market are active and competitive.
A bustling scene from Madina Market.
Here's a summary of the key aspects of Madina's demographics:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Suburb of Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana |
| Population | Approximately 137,162 |
| Ethnic Groups | Ga and Dangme, Ewe, Akan, Northern Ghanaian, Non-Ghanaian |
| Religions | Islam, Christianity, Traditional Religions |
Madina’s story is a microcosm of Ghana’s broader history, reflecting the country’s journey from colonial rule to independence and its ongoing efforts to build a cohesive and prosperous nation.
Ghana is also home to a rich cultural and natural heritage. Ghana is also home to several natural wonders, including national parks, waterfalls, and beaches. Ghana’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, such as Labadi Beach and Kokrobite Beach, which are popular with locals and tourists alike.
