Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has firmly reiterated that no Ghanaian student should be denied their constitutional right to religious freedom within educational institutions. He emphasized the need for all schools to uphold the rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, ensuring that students can practice their faith without any restrictions.

Minister's Call for Religious Freedom in Schools

Speaking at the 2025 Eid ul-Fitr prayers with the Ambariyya Muslim sect in Tamale on Monday, March 31, the Minister underscored the importance of religious tolerance in educational settings. He stated:

“Every Ghanaian child is entitled to the full benefit of the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution. No school has the authority to infringe upon these rights.”

His remarks came in response to mounting concerns from the Ghana Muslim Students Association of Ghana (GMSA). The association recently condemned Saint Roses Senior High School in Akwatia, Eastern Region, for allegedly preventing Muslim students from going home to observe Eid-ul-Fitr, despite a directive from the Ghana Education Service (GES) permitting them to do so.

Ensuring Equal Rights for All Students

Minister Iddrisu reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting religious liberties within academic institutions. He urged school administrators to acknowledge and respect the diverse religious backgrounds of students, ensuring an inclusive environment for all faiths.

“All schools must recognize and respect the right of every Ghanaian child to profess and practice their religion,” he insisted.

The Minister’s statement aligns with ongoing national conversations on religious inclusivity and students' rights. The Ghana Education Service has previously issued guidelines promoting religious tolerance in schools, but incidents of non-compliance continue to spark debates.

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The Ongoing Debate on Religious Freedom in Schools

This issue has reignited discussions on the balance between institutional policies and constitutional rights. While some schools cite discipline and administrative regulations, human rights advocates argue that such restrictions violate fundamental freedoms.

Educational authorities are now under pressure to reinforce directives ensuring that students are not deprived of their religious rights. The Minister's firm stance is expected to prompt further dialogue among policymakers, religious groups, and school authorities to foster greater religious tolerance within Ghanaian schools.