Answer:
The Islamic religion had a great effect on West African societies. In the first place, it challenged traditional African religion, weakening the basis on which some of the Sudanese states such as Kanem and ancient Ghana rested, contributing to their downfall.
Step-by-step explanation:
Islam was spread throughout the region by Muslim merchants as they came into contact with local traders and the elite of urban areas. ... Indeed, in the Ghana Empire, there is no evidence that kings themselves converted to Islam.