Ghana’s Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has cautioned schools against restricting students’ religious practices, emphasizing that such actions contravene the country’s constitution and international human rights standards. This warning follows a Supreme Court case involving Wesley Girls’ High School, which has been accused of preventing Muslim students from observing their faith.
The Minister stressed that Ghanaian students have the right to profess and practice their religion, citing Articles 33, 5, and 26(1) of the 1992 Constitution. He assured that the government is committed to protecting students’ rights, regardless of their religious background, and will ensure schools comply with constitutional provisions.
This development has sparked a national debate on balancing institutional rules with constitutional freedoms. The Attorney General has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the suit, arguing that Wesley Girls’ High School has the right to enforce rules consistent with its Methodist tradition.
Social commentator Hanan-Confidence Abdul has described the school’s restrictions as “constitutionally abrasive” and discriminatory, emphasizing the need for tolerance and respect for diversity. The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana have also weighed in, stating that Christian mission schools will maintain their religious identity.