The Center for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA) has expressed concern over recent comments by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, cautioning schools against restricting students’ religious practices.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Minister Iddrisu warned that no child should be prevented from practising their chosen religion and emphasized that the Ministry would not tolerate infringements on students’ religious rights.
His remarks followed a Supreme Court directive for Wesley Girls’ Senior High School to respond to claims that it restricted Muslim students from observing aspects of their faith.
While CenPOA acknowledged the Minister’s concern for students’ rights, the organization argued that his comments overlooked the historical contributions and foundational purpose of Ghana’s missionary schools.
In a statement, CenPOA noted that mission schools—established by Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Anglican, and other church missions during the pre-independence era—have long combined quality education with moral and spiritual development based on Christian values.
“These schools flourished because of their discipline, academic excellence, and strong value systems. It was the churches themselves that opened their doors to students of all faiths. This act demonstrated inclusion, not discrimination,” CenPOA said.
The organization warned that insisting mission schools adjust or dilute their founding religious identity could undermine both their purpose and heritage. CenPOA highlighted that students and parents seeking schools aligned with their own religious practices have other public, non-mission options.
CenPOA called for constructive dialogue among mission schools, government, parents, and stakeholders, rather than unilateral declarations.
The organization stressed the importance of balancing students’ constitutional rights with the religious identity of mission-founded institutions.
“CenPOA stands for fairness, balance, and respect for the institutions that shaped generations of Ghanaian leaders. We urge the Ministry of Education to engage in consultation rather than unilateral declarations,” the statement concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
