Report: first-ever atheist billboard in Africa unveiled in Ghana

With the support of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), Accra Atheists, a non-governmental organisation of atheists, agnostics, sceptics, and secularists who subscribe to and promote the philosophy of secular humanism in Ghana, has succeeded in putting up the first atheist billboard of its kind in Africa in the heart of Accra, Ghana’s capital.

Accra Atheists aims to create awareness of non-religious sentiment, provide a community for atheists, promote humanism, and defend human rights, especially those related to freedom of religion and belief, in Ghana. The group is also an Associate Member of Humanists International.

According to Ghana’s last census, an estimated 1.1% of Ghana’s population, representing over 350,000 people, identify as non-religious. By putting up the billboard, Accra Atheists seeks to:

• Promote atheism and humanism as valid belief systems.
• Normalise atheism in a society where it is often misinterpreted as occultism or witchcraft.
• Increase membership.
• Advocate for recognition of atheists by the state and government.

At the unveiling, Roslyn Mould, President of Accra Atheists and the first African Vice President of Humanists International, said:

This is a dream come true. This billboard represents not just visibility, but validation for those who often feel isolated in their non-belief. Thanks to FFRF’s unwavering support, we have achieved something historic. This moment will never be forgotten.

The prominently displayed billboard reads: ‘Don’t believe in God? You are not alone!’ It affirms the presence of secular individuals in Ghana and beyond. The display is part of an initiative aimed at fostering awareness, encouraging open dialogue about secularism, and supporting the growing community of freethinkers in the region. It features a photo montage of activities that African atheists have engaged in, including a picture of Roslyn Mould being interviewed by FFRF Co-Presidents Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor in FFRF’s studio in the United States.

Annie Laurie Gaylor emphasized the initiative’s importance:

We are honored to support this courageous step toward freethought visibility in Africa. Everyone deserves the right to openly express their beliefs—or lack thereof—without fear. We hope this billboard sparks important conversations and strengthens the secular movement in Ghana and beyond.

The billboard has already garnered international attention, with articles about it in development in Canada, Australia, and Nigeria. Organisers are optimistic about its impact and hope to build upon this momentum to further advocate for secular rights and representation in Ghana and across Africa.

Note: versions of this report have previously appeared elsewhere, including on ModernGhana’s website.

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