Accra, Ghana – The National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG) has issued a press statement in response to remarks made by the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference regarding religious practices in government-assisted mission schools.
The NMCG expressed deep concern over the CCG’s stance on religious freedom in schools, emphasizing that the Ghana Education Service (GES) directive on religious tolerance (2015) explicitly protects the right of Muslim students to observe their faith, including wearing the hijab and participating in Islamic worship.
Key points from the Muslim leaders’ response include:
1. GES Directive is Unambiguous: The directive ensures Muslim students can practice their religion without coercion, including wearing the hijab and attending Islamic worship. Forcing Muslim students into Christian worship or preventing them from practicing their faith is unacceptable.
2. MoU Signed by Leaders: The memorandum signed by religious leaders on April 15, 2024, acknowledges religious diversity and supports students’ rights to practice their faith, including fasting and places of worship.
3. Moral Leadership Cannot Be Selective: The NMCG asserts that moral education should be inclusive, respecting all faiths, and criticizes any attempt to impose religious beliefs on students.
The Muslim community calls for the protection of constitutional rights and religious freedoms, urging the government to ensure all students can practice their faith without discrimination.
The statement highlights Ghana’s commitment to interfaith harmony and national development, emphasizing that religious tolerance is essential for unity and progress.
The NMCG has requested the Ministry of Education to address concerns and ensure compliance with constitutional protections for religious rights in schools.