Introduction / History

The Gana (also called Ganadugu or Ganadougou) have an estimated population of 80,000. They created their own culture, which seems to be a mixture of the Fulani, Senufo and Bambara cultures. They are a very independent people and speak a form of Bambara, though they consider themselves to be culturally distinct from the Bambara.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gana are Islam in name, animism in practice.

There are two known Christian families, and one known church. Two missionary units with Christian Missionary Alliance are working in 11 Gana villages.

What Are Their Needs?

An FM radio station reaches all the villages and has at least one gospel broadcast per day, but none in the Gana language.

Suggestions and rationale for engaging this people group: This is a possibility for an Engaging Church. It is recommended that teams of prayer walkers come to lay groundwork. More research is needed to identify specific villages, but the recommended strategic location for future work among the Gana is in Mena, where there has never been a missionary presence or church.

Teams would face remote and primitive living conditions.

The Gana risk persecution from their family and friends if they convert to Christianity. Several families are already experiencing persecution.

There is potential for partnering with Christian Missionary Alliance and the radio station that broadcasts Christian programs. There is the possibility of using radio to do religious broadcasts in Bambara (a language spoken by some Gana) and to possibly create Chronological Bible Storying tapes.