The Dyula are the descendants of the Malinke (Mandingo), inheritors of the ancient Mali empire. By the 1300's, Mande traders seeking gold reached the northern borders of Ghana, where they founded states to use as centers for gold trade. Later, the Maninka rulers of Mali began spreading Islam throughout the African plains, and the Dyula became strong converts.

Since Ghana's independence from Great Britain in 1960, the country has experienced seven coups. The Dyula have contributed much to the rich mixtures of peoples and traditions that make up Ghanaian culture.

What Are Their Lives Like?
The Dyula live in clans, and the clan is the most important aspect of their lives. The people are fiercely loyal to their clans, defending them proudly. They express their history and devotion through the traditions of dance and storytelling. The father is the head of the family and inheritances are passed down from fathers to their sons. Older males possess the most power and influence.

The Dyula began settling in towns during the 1500's. Some founded their own independent villages; others chose to settle in larger towns for greater commercial opportunities. As a result, most Dyula communities became politically subservient to the kings and chiefs of other ethnic groups. As merchants, it benefited them to maintain good relationships with their neighbors.

Among the Dyula, there is generally a division of labor according to gender. Weaving, fighting, and studying Islam were traditionally male activities; while, spinning, cooking, and tending to the children were the responsibilities of the women. However, both men and women engaged in trade.

The Dyula still practice polygamy (multiple spouses) and young people are encouraged to marry within their own clans. Marriages between cousins are preferred. Girls usually marry at age 16. It is surprising that nearly half of the population is under the age of 15 and only about 13% live beyond age 45. Therefore, the Dyula have great respect for the elderly, especially if a man is an Islamic scholar.

The fundamental moral principles of the Dyula include obedience, honesty, and dedication to their people. Such precepts are motivated by a driving sense of human dignity.

What Are Their Beliefs?
The majority of Dyula are Sunni Muslim. Most of the others, whom the Muslims call "pagans," hold traditional animistic beliefs (believe that non-living objects have spirits). These "pagans" represent only 17% of the country's population, while the remaining 65.5% are Christians. West African Islam does, however, generally retain local traditions and is more tolerant of diversity than elsewhere. Muslim scholars are held in high esteem. They are responsible for educating the people in the teachings of the Koran.

Their religious ideals share several similarities with Christianity: the belief in one God who is eternal, creator, omniscient; the existence of protecting spirits (or angels); the concept of the sanctuary or the holy of holies; the Spirit of God who communicates; and analogies to explain complex concepts.

What Are Their Needs?
Ministry among Muslims is a difficult task. Only a tiny handful of the Dyula are Christians. Although missions agencies are working among the Dyula in neighboring countries, there are none among the needy Dyula in Ghana. Few Christian resources are available in the Dyula language. Christian laborers and additional evangelistic tools are needed to penetrate this Muslim tribe with the Gospel. Prayer is the first step toward seeing them reached with the Good News.

• Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into Ghana to live and work among the Dyula.
• Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the spiritual soil of Ghana through worship and intercession.
• Ask God to anoint the Gospel as it goes forth via radio to the Dyula.
• Ask God to speed the completion of the Jesus film and other evangelistic materials into the Dyula language.
• Pray that God will reveal Himself to these precious people through dreams and visions.
• Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the small number of Dyula Christians.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that have kept the Dyula bound for many generations.
• Ask the Lord to bring forth a triumphant Dyula church for the glory of His name!

See also the following related groups:
the Jula Bobo of Burkina Faso;
the Jula of Mali and Burina Faso;
the Dyula of Cote d'Ivorie;
and the Diola of Guinea Bissau.

THE PEOPLE

• People name: Dyula
• Country: Ghana
• Their language: Jula
• Population: (1990) 15,000
  (1995) 17,500
  (2000) 20,200
• Largest religion: Muslim (Sunni) 99%
• Christians: 1%
• Church members: 175
• Scriptures in their own language: Portions
• Jesus Film in their own language: None
• Christian broadcasts in their own language: Available
• Mission agencies working among this people: 0
• Persons who have heard the Gospel: 3,700 (21%) Those evangelized by local Christians: 1,200 (7%)
  Those evangelized from the outside: 2,500 (14%)
• Persons who have never heard the Gospel: 13,800 (79%)

• Country: Ghana
• Population: (1990) 15,020,300
  (1995) 17,452,600
  (2000) 20,171,700
• Major peoples in size order: Ashanti 15%
  Fante 12.9%
  Ewe 3.9%
  Brong 3.9%
  Gurenne 3.3%
• Major religions: Christian 65.5%
  Ethnic religionist 16.9%
  Muslim 16.5%
• Number of denominations: