Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister Ahmed Ibrahim has announced the formation of a committee to compile a national database of shrines and other religious sites across Ghana.

Appearing before Parliament's Committee on Assurances, the Minister said the initiative is intended to establish the number of shrines in the country while developing a clear and nationally accepted definition of what constitutes a shrine.

Mr Ibrahim explained that the exercise will be undertaken by a multi-disciplinary working group comprising officials from the Ministry's Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Directorate, Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, as well as the Research, Statistics and Information Management units, with support from the Regional Coordinating Councils.

According to him, the assignment goes beyond simply counting shrines because of the diverse ways in which they are represented and recognised in different communities.

He noted that some individuals claim to operate shrines without any clear standard for classification, making it necessary for government to establish objective criteria for identifying such religious sites.

The Minister stressed that the committee's work will provide the foundation for a consistent definition of shrines, taking into account their cultural and spiritual significance.

Mr Ibrahim observed that shrines are not always physical structures and may take different forms depending on religious beliefs and traditional practices.

He said the complexity of the subject requires careful assessment by experts to ensure the database is accurate and reflects the country's diverse religious landscape.

The Ministry believes the exercise will strengthen the regulation and documentation of religious sites while providing reliable data to support policy development within the chieftaincy and religious affairs sector.