Accra, Feb 14, GNA – The Indian community in Ghana has inaugurated a Sikh temple in Accra, marking a historic milestone in its more than 100 years of religious, cultural and socio-economic presence in the country.
The Sahib’s Gurudwara, opened on February 8, 2026, at East Legon, brings together Indians from diverse regions and professional backgrounds, united by a shared faith and cultural identity.
The colourful ceremony was marked by a warm atmosphere of reverence, joy and cultural pride, as worshippers and guests gathered to celebrate the occasion, a release issued to the Ghana News Agency, said Saturday.
Traditional hymns, prayers and spiritual reflections filled the air, while volunteers in traditional attire welcomed visitors with hospitality and courtesy, reflecting the Sikh values of humility, service and openness.
The occasion also provided a platform for the participation in the symbolic breaking of bread through the langar, reinforcing the message of unity, inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence.
Leaders of the community describe the temple as more than a place of worship, explaining that it would serve as a centre for spiritual instruction, community service, cultural exchange and personal development.
They emphasised that the Gurudwara would also promote social cohesion, compassion and peaceful coexistence, in line with the core values of Sikhism.
The word “Gurudwara” means “the teacher’s door”. A central practice in Sikhism is the “langar”, or community kitchen, where free meals are offered daily to all visitors, regardless of faith, social status or nationality.
Volunteers, according to the release, explained that the tradition symbolised equality, humility and shared humanity, and would form a key pillar of the temple’s outreach and service programmes.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Amardeep Singh Hari, Chairman of IPMC and a leading volunteer in the project, traced the origins of Sikhism to the 15th century under Guru Nanak, its founder.
He noted that the religion was founded on the belief in one God and the inherent equality of all people – principles that continue to shape Sikh life and service worldwide.
Mr Hari stated that Gurudwaras across the globe were open to both Sikhs and non-Sikhs, functioning as centres of worship, learning, charity and service to humanity.
Indian migration to Ghana dates back to the early 1900s, when members of the Sindhi community settled in what was then the Gold Coast.
Many established trading and manufacturing enterprises that later evolved into major companies, including Melcom, B5 Plus and Letap Pharmaceuticals.
A subsequent wave of migrants arrived in the 1960s, including Sikh professionals from India’s Punjab region, who took up academic appointments at the University of Ghana, the release added.
In the decades that followed, some transitioned into farming, manufacturing and other industrial ventures, contributing significantly to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
During Liberia’s civil war in the early 1990s, many Sikh families relocated their businesses to Ghana.
Over time, they became key players in sectors such as information technology, steel production and building materials.
Notable companies founded or led by members of the Sikh community include IPMC, Sethi Steel, Ferro Fabrik and Premier Steel.
“With a strong spirit of unity in diversity, distinct communities from 28 states and regions of India are now represented in Ghana, strengthening cultural ties and contributing to national development,” it noted.
“In the pharmaceutical sector, Indian-owned firms such as M&G Pharmaceuticals and Pharmanova have also made significant contributions to Ghana’s private sector landscape, particularly in healthcare delivery, job creation and local manufacturing.”
Community leaders emphasised that the inauguration of the Sahib’s Gurudwara symbolised not only the growth of the Sikh population in Ghana, but also their enduring commitment to faith, service, peaceful coexistence and national progress.
GNA
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage
