The Decentralised Jews of Ghana
In the heart of Ghana's Western Region lies a community that challenges conventional narratives of Jewish identity - and what a Jew is.
The House of Israel, situated in the towns of Sefwi Wiawso and Sefwi Sui, is a testament to the diverse tapestry of global Jewry.
Called to Connect
The people of Sefwi Wiawso trace their journey toward Jewish practice to Aaron Ahomtre Toakyirafa, a community leader who, in 1976, called for a "return" to the wider Jewish community.
Inspired by a deep spiritual conviction, he encouraged the community to embrace Jewish traditions, believing they were connected to the Lost Tribes of Israel. Embracing this identity, the community began observing the Sabbath, adhering to kosher dietary laws, and performing circumcisions on the eighth day after birth. In 1998, they constructed a synagogue in Sefwi Wiawso's New Adiembra neighbourhood, solidifying their commitment to their faith.
Despite initial challenges, including scepticism and tension with neighbouring communities, the House of Israel has persevered. Their resilience has led to recognition and support from international Jewish organizations, such as Kulanu and Be'chol Lashon, which have provided prayer books and educational materials. Today, the community maintains positive relations with the wider Ghanaian society, practising their faith openly and contributing to the nation's cultural diversity.
Evidence of the Decentralised Diaspora
Could the House of Israel have deeper roots in West Africa’s long and complex Jewish history? It’s possible. Jewish traders were active across the Sahel for centuries, especially in the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Empires—back when these regions were thriving centres of trade, learning, and cultural exchange. Some oral traditions even suggest that certain West African communities, including those in Ghana, trace their ancestry back to ancient Israel, with some linking themselves to King David.
While there's no direct historical proof connecting the Sefwi Jews to these older groups, the idea isn’t far-fetched. Many Jewish communities outside of Europe—like the Beta Israel of Ethiopia or the Abayudaya of Uganda—preserve traditions that predate mainstream rabbinic Judaism, and it’s possible that the House of Israel represents another branch of this older, more decentralized Jewish world. History in this region is full of unexpected connections, and the House of Israel’s story might just be another chapter in a much wider, older tale of Jewish life in Africa.
Get Lost!
The phrase “Lost Tribe” gets thrown around a lot when talking about communities like the House of Israel, but it can be a bit misleading. It leans into the mythical and mystical, when the reality might be more straightforward—people move. Trade routes crisscrossed Africa for millennia, and Jewish traders were part of that world. Some of the spices used in the Temple in Jerusalem were sourced from India, so it’s not a stretch to imagine Jewish outposts forming in places far beyond Judea, including West Africa.
But even if the House of Israel’s origin story isn’t rooted in traceable history, does that make their Judaism any less real? If a community keeps Shabbat, follows Jewish laws, and identifies as Jewish, at what point does their Jewishness become legitimate? Maybe instead of asking whether they descend from ancient Israelites, the more interesting question is: What does it mean to be Jewish in the first place?
For more about this incredible community, we’d urge you to watch the documentary "Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana." The segment shared below raises interesting questions that get to the heart of the Who Jew Think You Are? Project.
Finally, and I’d love to hear from Jews on this - If you don’t think these are proper Jews - why not?
(My thanks to the member of The Oxford Jewish Community who told me about her visit to this community and for telling me their story - at a recent talk I gave about this project!)