The Zongo Institute for Development (ZID) has strongly condemned the Attorney General’s defense of mandatory Christian practices in public schools, describing it as “deeply alarming” and inconsistent with Ghana’s Constitution.
The statement, issued on Tuesday, addresses the Supreme Court case of Shafic Osman v. Wesley Girls’ High School & Others, which challenges policies allegedly forcing Muslim students to participate in Christian worship while restricting their religious observances.
ZID argued that the AG, as the government’s top legal counsel, has a duty to protect the 1992 Constitution, rather than defend policies that infringe on individuals’ fundamental rights. According to the institute, the policy being defended violates several constitutional protections:
•Article 21(1)(b): Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Belief: Students cannot be compelled to practice a faith contrary to their own.
•Article 21(1)(c): Freedom to Practice and Manifest Religion: Denying Muslim students the right to fast during Ramadan or pray privately breaches their freedom to manifest their religion.
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•Article 21(1)(d) – Freedom of Assembly: Students’ right to gather for their own religious observances is restricted.
•Article 17(2): Equality and Freedom from Discrimination: The policy constitutes institutional discrimination by promoting one faith while restricting another.
•Article 26(1): Cultural Rights and Practices: Public schools must provide a nurturing environment that respects all cultural and religious identities.
ZID emphasised that public schools, as state-funded institutions run by the Ghana Education Service, are bound by the secular character of government and must foster inclusive, constitutionally compliant learning environments. The institute called on the AG to withdraw support for any policies that endorse religious coercion or imperialism in schools.
The institute also appealed for collective action from Muslim and Traditional bodies, including the Office of the National Chief Imam, National Muslims Conference, Ghana Muslim Students Association, and regional traditional leaders, to ensure the Supreme Court upholds the Constitution and protects the religious rights and dignity of all students.
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“Public education must prioritise academic excellence and inclusivity, not forced conversions or discrimination,” ZID stated, urging a united front to defend the religious identity and rights of Ghanaian children in all public institutions.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
