Akasselem in Togo

People Name:	Akasselem
Country:	Togo
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	79,000
World Population:	79,000
Primary Language:	Akaselem
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	1.20 %
Evangelicals:	1.10 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Gur
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

In the 19th century, what is now Togo was bordered by Portuguese forts in Ghana. The coastal region of West Africa had such a large slave trade that this region was called the Slave Coast. In 1884, the emerging German Empire established Togo and most of Ghana as a protectorate. Early in WWI, Togoland was overrun and soon divided by the British and the French. The two colonial powers maintained a degree of control over Togo until their independence in 1960. Since that time, Togo has been run primarily by one powerful family. Government corruption is rampant, but efforts to either rebel or bring reform have not worked.

Where Are they Located?

The Akasselem people live only in central Togo.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Togo, 80 percent of the people are involved in agriculture. What they grow they either eat or sell. Only the elite eats fruits and vegetables; common people eat mainly starchy foods like Cassava, maize, rice, yams, or plantains. They eat two meals a day. Their evening meal includes some protein like fish, goat meat, beef, or beans. They usually include either a hot red pepper sauce or a peanut sauce with these evening meals. People consider beer, gin, and sodabi to be essentials. Sodabi is distilled palm wine.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Akasselem people are Muslim, though there is a sizable minority that never left their traditional religion. They might go to the mosque, but on a regular basis, the Akasselem people depend on the traditional spirits rather than Allah for their needs. Less than two percent are Christian of any form.

What Are Their Needs?

The Akasselem people need missionaries. Almost none of these Muslims have been given Jesus the chance to transform their lives and communities.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual discernment and hunger among the Akasselem people of Togo.
Pray for believers in other parts of Africa to share the gospel with the Akasselem people through music, dance and drama.
Pray that evangelistic efforts will be followed up with discipleship groups.