A new national discussion has started about religious rights in Ghana’s public schools after remarks linked to the Deputy Attorney General on Muslim students praying in the school compound. Clips spreading across news outlets have triggered strong reactions from civic groups, teaching professionals, besides legal experts, all saying such views weaken constitutionally protected worship freedoms.
The dispute grew stronger when Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem Sai said Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, being a Methodist mission institution, reserves the right to practice its Christian doctrine and may prevent other forms of religious worship on its campus. His remarks brought back recollections of an earlier national discussion sparked by claims that Muslim students at the school were stopped from praying or observing fasting during Ramadan.
The editor of the Daily Democrat, Abu M. Monor, responded to the deputy AG’s comment, calling it regrettable and inaccurate. Since no attorney general, acting or permanent, holds power to imply schools may stop students from following their religion, he rejected the claim outright.
“No institution or head of school can stop a student from practising his or her religion,” he stressed. “Basic rights, as enshrined in our Constitution and laws, guarantee freedom of religion for all. Even private schools are bound by national laws. Some of these circulating clips are pure propaganda and must not be allowed to sow confusion.”
The Constitutional and Legal Framework
The core of this discussion is Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, its rules on freedom of religion are firm, direct, yet open to interpretation through legal framing
Article 21(1)(c) guarantees “freedom to practise any religion and to manifest such practice.”
Article 26(1) states that every person is entitled to “enjoy, practise, profess, maintain and promote any culture, language, tradition or religion.”
Under Article 17(2), treating people unfairly due to religious beliefs is not allowed.
Article 25(1) guarantees fair entry to schools regardless of background, using clear rules that block bias.
Legal experts say these rules are clear, students at public schools must not be forced to give up religious duties, as long as classes are not disturbed nor others’ freedoms harmed.
In mission schools receiving public funds, rules remain clear: owning a school does not remove constitutional rights. While both private and government-run institutions function under state oversight, they follow guidelines from the Ghana Education Service (GES).
GES Guidelines on Religious Practice
To prevent confusion, in 2024 the Ghana Education Service released clear rules about religion in public schools in the country. The directives highlight.
Students may follow their faith without interference.
The duty of school leaders to allow fair religious actions, such as prayer, if these do not interfere with class times.
The requirement for educational institutions to refrain from biased or forceful measures concerning religious beliefs.
GES keeps telling school leaders that Ghana stays neutral on religion, so no institution, mission-run or otherwise, should limit learners’ faith rights.
The Ministry of Education stated severally that mission schools joining the public setup have to follow national rules instead of their own customs.
Mahama’s Position on the Controversy
President John Dramani Mahama, then part of the opposition and flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), joined the conversation. He stressed how Ghana draws power from shared faith values along with calm unity among believers.
Mahama describes the idea of stopping Muslim students from praying at school as “worrying and contrary” to the national spirit of tolerance.
He argued the Constitution’s meaning is straightforward, every institution should follow it, not just when convenient. While some may twist its words, compliance ought to be consistent, regardless of preference.
“Ghana is a secular state. Christians, Muslims, and people of all faiths have lived side by side peacefully for generations. No student should be prevented from fulfilling the basic requirements of their religion,” Mahama said. “Schools must be guided by national laws not personal preferences or inherited traditions.”
Public Reaction
A number of Ghanaians turned to radio, TV, or online platforms, voicing concern over claims about Hon. Justice Srem Sai’s stance. Faith-based organizations, particularly young Muslim groups, called the remarks disrespectful while warning they might stir tension.
Some experts say letting schools limit faith activities might start a risky trend. Still, they advise patience while pushing GES to update rules and safeguard learners’ freedoms.
While Ghana keeps its strong reputation for faith-based peace, experts stress the need for careful handling of today’s discussions, always respecting constitutional rules. It is certain that national law safeguards religious freedom, therefore, no state-run school can set aside those rights, even if it was established by a religious group.
