Humanism: An Alternative to Religion in Developing Countries

Ghana, one of the most religious countries in the world, can be challenging to live in when self-identifying as an atheist and secular humanist.

While there is no official report of violence against Humanists in Ghana, we still face various degrees of persecution and discrimination. Many of us are closeted, end up unemployed (refused jobs or let go for coming out as Humanist), emotionally blackmailed by family and associates, or forced to worship in one religion or another. Some even face accusations of witchcraft or demon possession, which leads to abandonment and isolation, or in some cases, deliverance or exorcism.

Basically, identifying as a Humanist in Ghana is life-changing, and choosing to be open about one’s identity comes at a cost many are not able to afford. Hence, addint to the fact that Humanists are in the minority.

In Ghana, the privilege of being religious – especially from one of the two main religions ie. Christianity or Islam – is not just about belief and what is true or not, but also what makes you feel safe and the sense of community it provides. Religious communities are a source of hope, comfort and direction in a developing country like Ghana: hope during times of hardships and conflicts ranging from unemployment, economic difficulties, family, work and relationship issues; comfort when one is lonely, depressed, or loses a loved one; and a sense of direction when there is lawlessness and the system could sway you into a life of criminality or ethical challenges.

Religious communities, both home and abroad, also provide support in terms of education, healthcare and other basic necessities that are not provided by the State and may not be otherwise affordable; and might be denied to a Humanist.

People are highly reliant on their religious communities when they feel their State has failed them and there is nowhere else to turn for help. In Ghana, 99% of the population relies on this form of community.

For many who can’t afford basic healthcare, especially with expensive and essential life-saving surgeries, they turn to the churches, mosques and shrines for faith healing, or seek donations to fund their hospital bills. These communities can go as far as having Foundations or Educational funds that support members who can’t afford to go to school. In the colonial era, missionaries from Europe built and provided schools and hospitals, and members of the Catholic and Anglican churches in particular were given access (sometimes even free), and this was one of the major tactics used to indoctrinate many Ghanaians forcing them into Western forms of religion.

For Humanists, leaving religion means foregoing the opportunity to access any assistance whatsoever, which can be a matter of life and death and determine how bright or dark your future could be. How many people are ready to listen to reason on an “empty stomach”?! Why would anyone want to risk losing a chance to education, healthcare, careers, etc just for their non-belief and knowing there is no community to support you?! The statistics speak for themselves when we see some of the world’s most populated parts, mostly of people of color from developing countries, being the most religious and yet the most developed countries having bigger populations of Humanists, so much so that some States have their governments supporting their Humanist groups as well.

As stated in the Amsterdam Declaration of 2002 by the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), now known as Humanists International (HI):

“Humanism is undogmatic, imposing no creed upon its adherents. It is thus committed to education free from indoctrination.

“Humanism is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to dogmatic religion. The world’s major religions claim to be based on revelations fixed for all time, and many seek to impose their worldviews on all of humanity. Humanism recognises that reliable knowledge of the world and ourselves arises through a continuing process of observation, evaluation and revision.”

Humanists around the world strive for a more tolerant and rational world, and sometimes there is the need to understand that the privileges of the West and North American countries cannot be compared to the Global South when there is so much inequality in terms of basic human rights and needs. It’s easier to have an open mind and think of leaving religion and the church when the State supports your basic needs or there are credit facilities, job opportunities and other avenues available to fund most parts of one’s life and therefore no dependence upon religion or family and associates to survive.

Humanists International Board 2024

As a proud member of Humanists International, I commend the organization and its members for creating programmes such as the ‘Humanists at Risk’ initiative that has helped save many Humanists worldwide, who were in need and in danger, and creating and implementing inclusive policies that support and assist members from Africa, Asia and the Latin/South America.

If we intend for Humanism to grow worldwide, especially in developing countries, then we need to recognize the state of most countries, understand the dynamics of privileged versus underprivileged or less privileged people around the world, and create alternative systems for their members and fellow Humanists. There have been efforts by some Humanists such as Nigeria’s Tai Solarin who built the first Humanist School in Africa but since then, although there are some ‘Humanist’ schools around the continent, they are not necessarily churning out Humanists.

There are several ways that Humanist groups can support each other locally and internationally. Sometimes, all one needs is a hug, but other needs may come in the form of sharing information on fundraising, DIY techniques and knowledge, counselling, access to local and international chat groups, coming to the aid of someone in need, supporting projects, campaigns and Humanist-owned businesses, highlighting the plight of Humanists at risk, creating systems in your Humanist group that supports the less privileged or disadvantaged, diversity, creating a safe space for diversity to thrive, stamping out ‘fake’ Humanists and groups who infiltrate and ‘steal’ the much needed resources that should otherwise go to genuine Humanists, and giving them a platform to have an equal say in affairs by making the group inclusive.

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We need to critically analyze these issues if we intend to have a successful, sustainable and inclusive global humanist movement. Together, we can achieve our goal of spreading Freethought, critical thinking and independent thought internationally by supporting each other.

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Roslyn Mould was Secretary and Chair of the International Humanist and Ethical Youth Organization (IHEYO) now Young Humanists International’s African Working Group from 2014 to 2019 and a Board Member for Humanists International from 2019 to 2023. She was a member of the Humanist Association of Ghana since it was founded in 2012 and held several positions, including President of the group from 2015 to 2019. She is the Coordinator for the West African Humanist Network, an Advisory Board member of the FoRB Leadership Network (UK), a Board member for LGBT+ Rights Ghana, and President of Accra Atheists. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Modern Languages. She is currently the First African Vice President of Humanists International.

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