Ghana’s mission schools are at the center of a heated debate over religious freedom and institutional autonomy. The controversy surrounds whether non-Christian students, particularly Muslims, should be allowed to observe their full religious practices in Christian-founded institutions.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) have taken a firm stance, asserting that altering the schools’ religious framework would undermine their autonomy and core mission. They argue that accommodating multiple parallel religious systems would impose administrative burdens, weaken discipline, and disrupt the communal unity that has long defined the success of mission schools [1][5].
The Christian leaders emphasize that freedom of association and religious liberty apply to institutions as well as individuals, citing constitutional provisions. They maintain that mission schools were established by churches as part of their missionary mandate, acquiring land, building infrastructure, and shaping school ethos long before the modern Ghanaian state existed.
On the other hand, the Muslim Council and other stakeholders argue that non-Christian students should be allowed to practice their faith freely in mission schools. They contend that Ghana’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship and that students should not be forced to abandon their religious beliefs.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) adopted in April 2024 provides guidelines for managing religious diversity in mission schools, promoting inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for diversity. The MoU aims to ensure that students can practice their faith without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
The debate highlights the need for balance between preserving the Christian identity of mission schools and respecting the rights of non-Christian students. As Ghana navigates this complex issue, it’s essential to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders involved.