“Students’ Religious Rights Must Be Respected,” Education Minister Urges Schools

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has urged school authorities across Ghana to ensure that students’ religious rights are respected, allowing them to practice their faith freely without restrictions.

Speaking during the 2025 Eid-ul-Fitr prayers with the Ambariyya Muslim sect in Tamale on Monday, March 31, Iddrisu emphasized that every Ghanaian child is entitled to the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution, including the right to religious expression.

The Minister’s remarks came in response to growing concerns raised by the Ghana Muslim Students Association (GMSA) over a recent incident at Saint Roses Senior High School in Akwatia, Eastern Region.

The school had reportedly prevented Muslim students from going home to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, despite an official directive from the Ghana Education Service (GES) that allowed them to do so.

Addressing the issue, Iddrisu reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding students’ constitutional rights.

“Every child and every Ghanaian is entitled to the full benefit of all the rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, and therefore no school has the right to deny any Ghanaian child the right to practice their faith,” he stated.

The Minister called for all educational institutions to be mindful of religious diversity, urging them to respect the religious freedoms of students.

He emphasized that no child should be discriminated against based on their religious beliefs, highlighting that students should be allowed to observe religious holidays and practices in accordance with their faith.

Iddrisu also pointed out that respect for religious diversity is crucial in fostering an inclusive and harmonious environment within schools.

urged school authorities to make necessary adjustments to ensure students are able to fulfill their religious obligations without fear of punishment or discrimination.

This statement from the Education Minister serves as a reminder to educational institutions about the importance of respecting the rights of students, particularly in a diverse society where different religions are practiced.

The government’s stance on protecting religious rights reinforces its commitment to promoting equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs.