Accra, Ghana – The Conference of Managers of Education Units (COMEU), in collaboration with the National Peace Council, has facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between government-assisted and private mission schools in Ghana. The agreement, validated on April 19, 2024, aims to promote a safe, healthy, and inclusive school environment for learners, teaching, and non-teaching staff.
The MoU emphasizes the following key principles for religious bodies and schools:
– Unity of Purpose and Peace: Schools are guided by a commitment to national peace, unity, and development, ensuring religious practices align with the nation’s values.
– Acceptance of Diversity: Schools must manage diverse religious beliefs without posing a threat to any faith, fostering tolerance and harmony.
– School Environment: Heads of schools are required to create a welcoming environment free from discrimination or victimization based on religious or other grounds.
– Values and Ethos: Schools should instill values of peace, unity, harmony, tolerance, and communal growth.
– School Rules and Regulations: Rules must be publicly accessible and include orientations on fasting, dress code, and religious place of worship.
– Fasting: Students may fast with parental permission and counseling, adhering to school health guidelines.
– Religious Place of Worship: Mission-based schools may provide space for diverse worship, ensuring it does not conflict with learning.
– Dress Code/Uniforms: Schools must respect prescribed uniforms and dress codes as directed by parents and directives.
The MoU was agreed upon by various religious missions, including the Ahmadiyya Mission, A.M.E Zion Church, Anglican Church, Assemblies of God Church, Ghana Baptist Convention, The Catholic Church, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, Salvation Army, Garrison Education, and Police Education, with signatures from respective heads of missions.
The initiative seeks to ensure cooperation among religious bodies while maintaining the vision and mission of parent schools, fostering a peaceful and inclusive educational environment in Ghana.