Religious and Economic Soft Power in Ghana-Turkey Relations

Turkey’s government seeks to apply both “religious soft power” and “economic increase its influence in Ghana. religious power relationship with Ghana is exemplified by paying for construction of a new national mosque the African country, at cost USD 10 million. economic considerable recent investments fast-growing bilateral trade. The overall aim Turkey country’s Ghana, part wider initiative expand regional Africa. important as it regarded strategically one region’s few democracies an success. paper assesses various forms considers what hopes achieve foreign policy terms. four sections. first examines Turkey–Ghana relations, noting that recently they have become closer more cordial, involving non-religious aspects. second section Muslims’ traditionally marginal political position explains over time Muslims politically assertive, open external influences, including from Turkey, country well known use try influence. third Ghana-Turkey expansion power, three examples: mosque, encouraging Islamic education, mutual desire quell activities refers “Fethullah Terrorist Organisation”. also role increasing presence concluding argues uses several techniques power. broadly welcomes perspectives: point view, Sunni orthodoxy seen very unlikely stimulate radicalization among Ghana’s Muslims, while welcomed means help further build economy.