The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has voiced its deep disappointment over recent statements made by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who cautioned schools against violating students’ rights to religious freedom. According to the Conference, the minister’s comments were unwarranted and could potentially reignite tensions that religious groups had recently settled.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the minister affirmed that no student should be barred from practising their faith, underscoring the need to uphold the rights of all Ghanaian students, regardless of their religion. He further stated that the Ministry would not permit any breaches of students’ religious rights.
His comments followed a Supreme Court directive asking Wesley Girls’ Senior High School to respond to allegations that it restricts Muslim students from observing aspects of their faith—claims contained in a suit filed by private legal practitioner, Shafic Osman.
Speaking to Citi News in an interview, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, said all major religious groups—including Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, SDAs, and even the Police Service—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) three months ago outlining how religious tolerance should be managed in schools.
“It’s quite disappointing. We’re unsure why the Minister has brought up matters that were already resolved. Just three months ago, an MoU on religious tolerance was signed by all religious bodies, as well as the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service. This agreement was intended to guide the reopening of schools,” he stated.
He further clarified that, according to the MoU, schools founded by religious organisations should be permitted to operate according to their core principles, values, and philosophies, while also ensuring that students of minority faiths are not discriminated against and are provided reasonable opportunities to practice their religion.
“If parents choose a Catholic school, they must understand the ethos that governs that school. Catholics will not abandon their principles so that every religion is practised anyhow. Similarly, if a Catholic child goes to a Muslim or Presbyterian school, they must respect that school’s rules. Otherwise, schools become ungovernable.”
Most Rev. Gyamfi said he was surprised that the Minister would reignite a debate that religious leaders have already resolved through dialogue and consensus.
“I’m somewhat surprised he chose to return to Parliament and make those remarks. I’m not sure what his intention was, except perhaps to stir up misunderstandings or religious tensions. Our politicians need to be extremely cautious about invoking religion in ways that could create issues for the country, especially given the challenges we already face,” he warned.
He emphasised that religious organisations remain committed to the MoU and see no reason to revisit issues that have already been resolved. “From our perspective, nothing will change. The agreements we reached will continue to govern our schools. So, why bring this matter up again?” he asked. The Bishops maintain that the established framework sufficiently addresses all concerns and should continue to guide all stakeholders.
Source: Christopher Kevin Asima
