Ganadougou, Gana in Mali

People Name:	Ganadougou, Gana
Country:	Mali
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	210,000
World Population:	210,000
Primary Language:	Bamanankan
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	15.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.60 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Manding
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Gana (also called Ganadugu or Ganadougou) have created their own culture, which seems to be a mixture of the Fulani, Senufo and Bambara cultures. They are a very independent people and speak a form of Bambara, though they consider themselves to be culturally distinct from the Bambara. Their language is called Bamanankan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They have their own lively dance style that involves dancing to the balafon, an instrument similar to a xylophone. Their culture is defined by music. They use the balofon for celebrations, rituals, and recreation. It’s not just for music; it is used to accentuate points during stories.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gana are Islam in name, animism in practice.

There are two known Christian families, and one known church. Two missionary units with Christian Missionary Alliance are working in 11 Gana villages.

What Are Their Needs?

An FM radio station reaches all the villages and has at least one gospel broadcast per day, but none in the Gana language.

Suggestions and rationale for engaging this people group: This is a possibility for an Engaging Church. It is recommended that teams of prayer walkers come to lay groundwork. More research is needed to identify specific villages, but the recommended strategic location for future work among the Gana is in Mena, where there has never been a missionary presence or church.

Teams would face remote and primitive living conditions.

The Gana risk persecution from their family and friends if they convert to Christianity. Several families are already experiencing persecution.

Prayer Points

Pray that the few Gana Christian believers will be salt and light to their neighbors and will share with them the hope that is in Christ.
Pray for their elders to have dreams and visions of the risen and victorious Christ.
Pray for the Lord to give them an abundant harvest this year as a testimony of his power and goodness.
Pray for them to respond to Christian radio broadcasts.