No school should restrict students from practicing their faith – Imam

The Director of the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Nima, Imam Mohammed Sani, has called on schools across Ghana to respect students’ right to practice their religion.

Speaking on the matter, he warned against policies or actions that restrict religious expression, emphasizing that education and faith should coexist rather than be seen as conflicting.

“No school should make it difficult for students to practice their faith,” Imam Sani stated, urging institutions to uphold religious freedom while maintaining academic excellence.

Ghana has long prided itself on religious tolerance within its education system, but recent incidents have raised concerns about whether students’ rights are being fully protected.

In 2021, Wesley Girls’ High School sparked controversy when it barred Muslim students from fasting during Ramadan. More recently, the Ghana Muslim Students Association expressed frustration over Saint Roses Senior High School’s decision to deny Muslim students permission to go home for Eid-Ul-Fitr. These events have fueled calls for stricter policies to ensure religious freedoms in schools.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has reiterated the government’s stance, stating that no school has the authority to impose religious restrictions on students. He emphasized Ghana’s secular nature and the constitutional right of every student to practice their faith freely. While the government has assured the public of its commitment to religious tolerance, Imam Sani insists that stronger enforcement measures are needed to prevent future violations. “Schools must create an environment where students feel free to practice their religion without fear or restriction,” he urged.