The Wesley Girls High School saga has sparked a heated debate about religious tolerance and freedom in Ghana’s educational institutions. The controversy surrounds the school’s policies, which allegedly restrict Muslim students from practicing their faith, including wearing hijabs, fasting during Ramadan, and performing Islamic prayers.
Ghana is a multi-religious country, with Christians making up about 71% of the population, Muslims 19%, African Traditional Religion 3.5%, and other faiths 6.5%. Despite this diversity, many Ghanaians, including those in positions of power, have attended Christian schools, raising questions about the moral standards being taught.
Critics argue that these schools, which receive public funding, should be held to constitutional standards of religious neutrality and freedom. The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has vowed to protect students’ rights, stating that “no right is divisible” and emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring every girl can practice her faith freely.
The incident highlights concerns about corruption and moral deficiency in Ghana, with some questioning the effectiveness of the moral education being imparted in schools. The country’s history of moral education, which shifted from a religious to a secular approach, may be contributing to the problem.
To address these issues, Ghana needs to prioritize inclusive education, ensuring that schools respect and accommodate diverse faiths. This can be achieved by implementing policies that promote religious tolerance, providing education on various faiths, and encouraging interfaith dialogue.