The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that more than 2,000 churches in the Greater Accra Region are currently operating without official registration.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Ibrahim indicated that although over 2,200 churches were recorded as registered in the region as of 2025, a significant number of religious institutions continue to function outside the formal regulatory system.

He explained that the rapid growth of churches, especially small independent ministries, has made it difficult for authorities to properly monitor and document their operations.

“While there are registered churches, many others are unregistered and not reflected in official records,” the Minister told lawmakers.

Government to introduce digital registry

To address the situation, the Minister announced plans to establish a national digital registry that will create a central database for tracking and monitoring religious organisations across the country.

The initiative will involve collaboration between the Registrar-General’s Department, the Office of the Attorney-General, and the Ministry of Justice. Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will also keep local records of religious bodies within their jurisdictions.

According to Ibrahim, the digital platform will allow churches to update their operational information while enabling government agencies to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.

He said the registry is necessary to support governance, planning, and regulatory oversight.

Rapid growth of religious institutions

Data presented during the parliamentary session suggested that a large proportion of churches in Greater Accra operate as single-founder ministries rather than branches of established denominations.

The development reflects the steady expansion of religious institutions in the country over the years. National census figures show that a majority of Ghanaians identify as Christians across various denominations.

Improving accountability

Ibrahim described the proposed registry as part of broader efforts to modernise administrative systems and promote accountability within the religious sector.

He emphasised that the government does not intend to restrict religious freedom but rather ensure that all organisations operate within the legal framework and can be properly documented for national planning purposes.

Authorities say the system, once implemented, will help create a comprehensive national record of churches and other religious organisations operating in Ghana.