Smart mosques in Ghana: integrating facilities management practices for safety, access control, and emergency response

Purpose Security concerns in Africa call attention to the need for smart technologies in mosque infrastructure, yet adoption through facilities management (FM) remains limited despite threats. This study examines the integration of FM practices into mosque security systems in Ghana, focusing on safety, access control, and emergency response. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design, underpinned by Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Unified Model of Organisational Effectiveness (UMOE), was employed. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 385 stakeholders, including management committee members, facilities staff, security personnel, and worshippers, across 15 mosques in Greater Accra. Purposive and stratified sampling ensured representation from urban, peri-urban, and rural mosques. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (correlation and chi-square tests) in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 26 to assess relationships among FM practices, smart technology adoption, and safety outcomes. Findings The results show that smart FM technologies are linked to better safety, access control, and emergency response. Strong correlations were found between team coordination, system integration, and smart monitoring, confirming that collaborative management and technological interconnectivity significantly enhance security outcomes. However, persistent challenges, such as financial constraints, limited technical expertise, and weak institutional support, hamper implementation. There were also differences based on gender, with women showing more support for innovation and stakeholder engagement. This shows that inclusivity is a key factor in technology adoption. Originality/value This paper is the first of its kind in Africa to contribute to the literature by examining the operational, technological, and sociocultural dynamics of mosque safety in FM. It offers practical implications for religious facility managers and policy stakeholders through the implementation of the proposed framework.