The ongoing legal battle against Wesley Girls Senior High School (SHS) has sparked widespread discussions on religious freedom in Ghana’s educational system.
The school has been accused of preventing Muslim students from practising their religion, leading to a lawsuit filed by Shafic Osman, a Ghanaian citizen.
As the case progresses, former Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Charles Aheto-Tsegah, has offered his perspective on the situation, arguing that students have the freedom to choose institutions that align with their religious practices.
In an exclusive interview on GHOne TV, Aheto-Tsegah addressed the issue, stating that students should not feel compelled to stay in a school that conflicts with their religious beliefs.
“If you think that the rules and the standards of the school do not adhere to the way you want to worship, you have the freedom to go to another school,” he said.
According to Aheto-Tsegah, students should not lose their faith just because they attend a school with a different religious focus.
“I don’t think you lose any faith if you’re a Muslim and you go into a school which goes to church… You don’t need to worship in a place which is non-denominational to maintain your beliefs,” he added.
This statement comes amid a lawsuit filed by Osman, accusing Wesley Girls SHS of systematically suppressing the religious rights of Muslim students.
Osman’s legal team is arguing that the school’s policy, which prohibits the practice of Islam and forces students to follow Methodist Christianity, violates the constitutional rights of Muslim students.
The lawsuit contends that this policy contradicts Articles 21(1)(b)(c) and 26 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of belief and the right to practice one’s religion.
The controversy surrounding Wesley Girls highlights a broader issue within Ghana’s mission schools, which are often deeply rooted in specific religious doctrines.
As mission schools increasingly become publicly funded or quasi-public institutions, questions about inclusivity and religious freedom have taken center stage.
Critics argue that these institutions must respect the diverse religious beliefs of their students, especially as they serve a broader, more diverse population.
Aheto-Tsegah’s comments reflect a belief that students should be aware of the religious environment when choosing a school.
While he acknowledges the importance of religious identity, he suggests that attending a religiously affiliated school does not automatically compromise one’s faith.
“You don’t need to worship in a place which is non-denominational to maintain your beliefs,” he emphasized.
