Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has raised concerns over the ongoing religious rights controversy involving Muslim students at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School.
According to him, the school’s stance conflicts with both international human rights standards and constitutional expectations under Article 33(5) and Article 26(1).
“I speak as the present minister for education. There’s some ongoing debate for Muslim students in Wesley Girls which conflicts with International Human Rights Standard and even standard expected of us in Ghanas constitution under Article 33 5 and 26 1”
Speaking in Parliament on November 25, he urged Members of Parliament to remain firm in protecting the rights of all children.
“We have a duty to uphold the rights of every Ghanaian child and to uphold the rights of every Ghanaian citizen. No right is divisible,” he said.
“We will not countenance any action by any person to deny any Ghanaian girl the opportunity to profess or practice any religion.”
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Ghanaian citizen and lawyer, Shafic Osman, who is asking the Supreme Court to declare certain policies at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School discriminatory against Muslim students.
In a formal response, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, defended the school and urged the court to dismiss the suit.
According to the AG, “Wesley Girls High School has the right to practice its religion.”
