Allow students practice their religious faith without hindrances - Education Minister to school authorities

The Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has called on school authorities across the country to respect the religious rights of students, ensuring they can practice their faith freely without any restrictions.

He highlighted that every Ghanaian child is entitled to the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution, including the right to religious expression.

Speaking during the 2025 Eid-ul-Fitr prayers with the Ambariyya Muslim sect in Tamale on Monday, March 31, the Minister emphasized the importance of embracing religious diversity within educational institutions.

He further stressed that schools should avoid implementing policies that prevent students from observing their faith.

"I want to announce as Ghana's Minister for Education that every Ghanaian child and every Ghanaian is entitled to the full benefit and all the rights guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution. Therefore, no Islamic School or a Christian School has the right to deny any Ghanaian child the right to practice and profess a religion of his choice. We find any such conduct unacceptable and will be accompanied with sanctions appropriately," he said. 

The Minister’s comments come after the Ghana Muslim Students Association expressed disappointment on Saturday, March 29, over a decision by Saint Roses Senior High School in Akwatia, Eastern Region, to prevent Muslim students from going home to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, despite an official directive from the Ghana Education Service permitting them to do so.

In addressing the controversy, Minister Iddrisu reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting students' constitutional rights.

He also urged all educational institutions to recognize and respect religious freedoms, ensuring that no student faces discrimination based on their beliefs.

"Therefore, whether it is an Islamic School or a Christian School, they must recognise and respect the....of every Ghanaian child to practice the religion of their choice," he added.