Facilities managers vs. mosque management committees: evaluating the need for professional facilities management in mosque operations

Abstract

Purpose Mosques in Africa face challenges associated with facilities management (FM), as newly built mosques deteriorate rapidly because of the absence of facilities managers who can implement preventive measures and maintain them in suitable conditions. The purpose of this paper is to explore existing literature to justify the need for employing professional facilities managers in managing mosque operations in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach This viewpoint adopts a five-stage comprehensive methodology to study FM in mosque operations, linking it with practical observations and comparative analysis. The methodology includes an extensive literature review of previous studies and reports, a walkthrough scope analysis of industry standards and walkthrough inspections of some mosques in Kumasi and Accra, comparative content analysis integrating literature with practical observations, field observations and informal engagements with MMCs Chairpersons, along with the synthesis and evaluation of the findings. Findings This study reveals that mosque management committees (MMCs) excel in community engagement and religious sensitivity but struggle with maintenance, strategic planning and operational efficiency because of a lack of formal training and technical expertise. Professional facilities managers (PFMs) bring specialised skills in infrastructure management, sustainability and asset management, addressing these gaps and improving overall operational performance. Integrating advanced technologies such as Building Information Modelling and Mobile Apps further enhance mosque operations. Bridging the gap between MMCs and professional FMs is crucial for optimising mosque functionality, resource utilisation and long-term sustainability. Practical implications The viewpoint recommends a hybrid management model combining MMCs’ community engagement with PFMs’ expertise. Capacity-building programs for MMC members and structured frameworks for financial management and maintenance scheduling are essential for sustainable mosque operations. Originality/value Being a pioneer study to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of traditional MMCs and professional FM practices in maintaining and enhancing mosque operations, this study bridges the knowledge gap by incorporating best practices from professional bodies such as the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. These organisations provide guidelines on maintenance planning, sustainability and operational efficiency, directly applicable to mosque FM practices that can be adopted in Ghanaian mosques through case studies.