The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has voiced strong dissatisfaction with recent comments by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu cautioning schools against infringing on students’ rights to practise their religion.
The Conference described the Minister’s remarks as unnecessary and potentially disruptive, warning that they could reignite tensions that religious groups had only recently resolved.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Education Minister stressed that no student should be prevented from practising their faith, adding that the Ministry would not tolerate any violation of religious rights. His comments came after the Supreme Court directed Wesley Girls’ Senior High School to respond to allegations that it restricts Muslim students from observing parts of their faith—a case filed by private legal practitioner Shafic Osman.
Speaking to Citi News, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, noted that all major religious bodies—Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, SDAs, and even the Police Service—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) three months ago outlining guidelines for religious tolerance in schools.
“It is very unfortunate. We do not understand why the Minister has revived issues that were already settled. Barely three months ago, all religious bodies signed an MoU on religious tolerance. The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service also signed, and this document was meant to guide the reopening of schools,” he said.
Most Rev. Gyamfi explained that under the MoU, schools founded by religious institutions are expected to operate according to their core ethos, values, and philosophy while ensuring that minority faiths are not discriminated against and are given reasonable room to practise their religion.
“If parents choose a Catholic school, they must understand the ethos that governs that institution. Catholics will not abandon their principles so that every religion is practised without order.
“Likewise, if a Catholic child attends a Muslim or Presbyterian school, they must respect that school’s rules. Otherwise, schools will become unmanageable,” he said.
The Bishop expressed surprise that the Minister would rekindle a debate that had already been resolved through dialogue and consensus.
“I am a little surprised he went to Parliament to make those statements. I don’t know what he hoped to achieve other than to revive misunderstandings or create religious tension.
“Our politicians must be careful not to use religion in ways that generate problems for the country. We have enough challenges already,” he cautioned.
He emphasised that religious bodies remain committed to the MoU and see no justification for reopening the matter.
“For us, nothing is changing. What we agreed upon is what will continue to guide our schools. So why bring this issue back?” he asked.
The Bishops maintain that the agreed framework is sufficient and should continue to direct all stakeholders moving forward.
