The recent controversy surrounding Wesley Girls’ High School’s decision to deny Muslim students the right to observe their Friday prayers has sparked outrage and disappointment among Ghanaians. As the nation grapples with the complexities of faith, identity, and inclusivity, it’s time to confront the hypocrisy of exclusion in our educational institutions.
While it’s commendable that some Christian mission schools, like Holy Child School, have made conscious efforts to accommodate Muslim students’ needs, Wesley Girls’ stance is a stark reminder that there’s still much work to be done. The fact that Muslim students are permitted to observe their daily prayers and fast during Ramadan in other schools, including those founded by Christian denominations, makes Wesley Girls’ decision all the more puzzling.
The argument that accommodating Muslim students’ prayer needs would disrupt the school’s schedule is unconvincing. Many schools have successfully implemented flexible arrangements, ensuring that students can observe their faith without compromising academic commitments. Is it too much to ask that Wesley Girls, a institution founded on Christian values, demonstrate empathy and understanding towards students of other faiths?
The issue at hand is not about favoring one religion over another; it’s about recognizing the fundamental human right to practice one’s faith without fear of persecution or exclusion. Ghana is a multi-faith society, and our educational institutions should reflect this diversity.
As Ghanaians, we must recognize that our strength lies in our diversity. By embracing inclusivity and promoting interfaith understanding, we can build a more harmonious society. The actions of Wesley Girls’ administration are a step backward, and it’s imperative that we hold them accountable for their decision.
Let us celebrate schools like Holy Child, where nuns supervise the cooking of dawn meals for Muslim girls during Ramadan, demonstrating that compassion and understanding know no religious bounds. It’s time for Wesley Girls to reassess their priorities and join the ranks of institutions promoting inclusivity and respect for all faiths.
We are one Ghana, and it’s time our educational institutions reflected this unity.