Wesley Girls’ SHS Faces Lawsuit for Denying Muslim Students the Right to Practice Islam

Wesley Girls’ Senior High School (SHS) in Cape Coast is facing a lawsuit over claims that the institution has denied Muslim students the right to practice their religion.

The case, filed by Ghanaian citizen Shafic Osman, has ignited a fresh debate on religious freedoms in Ghana’s public schools.

Osman alleges that the prestigious school has systematically suppressed the rights of Muslim students by prohibiting them from observing Islamic practices.

The lawsuit seeks several declarations from the court, including a ruling that the school’s alleged policy, which reportedly prevents the practice of Islam, is unconstitutional.

One of the key points of the lawsuit highlights the claim that the school’s policy of enforcing a compulsory school religion violates the rights of Muslim students.

According to Osman’s filing, the practice contradicts Articles 21(1)(b) and (c) of the Ghanaian Constitution, which protect freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

Further, Osman argues that the school’s actions are harmful to the welfare of Muslim students, contravening international human rights protections for children as outlined in Article 33(5) of the Ghanaian Constitution.

In addition to the declarations, Osman is seeking an order to compel the Ghana Education Service (GES) to create guidelines for religious practices in public schools that are in compliance with the constitution and respect the rights of all religious groups.

This lawsuit has brought renewed attention to the issue of religious freedoms in Ghana’s educational system, especially in schools that are traditionally associated with specific faiths.

As the case unfolds, it is expected to spark further discussions on the balance between religious rights and institutional policies in public schools across the country.