Interior Minister Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has urged Ghanaian schools to respect the religious rights of all students, criticising restrictions that prevent Muslim students from practising their faith on campuses, particularly at Wesley Girls’ High School.
Speaking on Newsfile on November 29, 2025, Minister Muntaka traced the historical context of mission schools, explaining that colonial authorities and religious missions established schools to educate Ghanaians, but no faith-based school was ever forcefully taken over by the government. Schools voluntarily applied for state support under the 1887 ordinance, which allowed funding under clear conditions: schools must admit students without distinction of religion or race, parents could object to religious instruction, and no child should be compelled to participate in teachings against their faith.
“Our forebears did well by putting these laws together to keep us together,” he said, highlighting that government-assisted schools remain distinct from public schools while benefiting from financial support.
Minister Muntaka criticised practices at Wesley Girls, alleging that Muslim students were asked to hide when praying and that some students were tasked with monitoring their peers to prevent religious observance. “Do not criminalise Muslim prayers on campuses,” he stressed.
He contrasted this with Muslim schools, which he said are generally more accommodating, though he acknowledged instances where Christian students faced challenges, such as not being provided lunch during Ramadan, issues the Ministry has addressed.
The Minister concluded by emphasising the need for schools to create an accommodating atmosphere where students of all faiths can thrive, calling for dialogue and mutual respect to preserve Ghana’s tradition of religious tolerance in education.
