I write with deep respect to you, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, in your capacity as Ghana’s Minister of Education, regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding the hijab and policies at Wesley Girls’ High School (WGHS). These conversations touch on fundamental questions of constitutional governance, educational administration, and the respectful accommodation of religious diversity in mission-founded, but publicly funded schools.
Recently, we have had an engaging jurisprudential debate on our MOBA ’81 platform, involving some of our finest legal minds, senior practitioners, and academics. The discussion was thoughtful, balanced, and deeply illuminating, particularly on the intersection between mission school autonomy and constitutional obligations. From that exchange, several key insights emerged regarding how mission schools can continue to uphold their ethos while operating within the framework of Ghana’s laws:
- Mission schools, while historically autonomous, operate within a constitutional framework once they receive public funding, follow GES curricula, and admit students through the national placement system.
- Religious freedom though guaranteed can be reasonably circumscribed, but any limitations must be proportionate, non-discriminatory, and justified in a democratic society. Blanket prohibitions preventing students from observing essential tenets of their faith are unlikely to meet this standard.
- Practical accommodation is possible without undermining school discipline. Historical examples from institutions like Mfantsipim show that minority Christian denominations were able to receive pastoral support, confirming that thoughtful arrangements can coexist with a school’s ethos.
- Policy gaps, rather than institutional bad faith, are at the root of current tensions. A clear national framework could prevent ambiguity and conflict, ensuring both constitutional compliance and respect for mission traditions.
The insights from our MOBA ’81 discussion highlight that while mission schools can preserve their ethos, the rights of students under the Constitution must remain paramount. To inform practical policy solutions, it is useful to look at approaches in other democratic jurisdictions, where similar tensions between institutional autonomy and individual rights have been resolved thoughtfully.
For example, in Canada, constitutional rights to religious freedom are balanced using a proportionality test, which weighs individual rights against the legitimate interests of institutions, alongside the principle of reasonable accommodation. This ensures minority faith practices are respected without undermining institutional operations or ethos. Applying similar reasoning in Ghana could provide a framework that upholds students’ religious freedoms while allowing mission schools to retain their character, ensuring fairness and clarity for students, parents, and school authorities.
Ghana has largely avoided the scale of ethno-religious crises experienced elsewhere, including Nigeria. Yet recent debates, including the Wesley Girls hijab saga, highlight how religion can be politicized. Even the Minister for Foreign Affairs has cautioned that mishandling such matters could plant seeds of intolerance in a country long admired for its religious harmony.
Honourable Minister, Nigeria’s experience demonstrates how seemingly minor disputes over identity can, if unresolved, escalate into deep societal fractures. This underscores the need for proactive, principled leadership to safeguard Ghana’s cohesion.
True, Mission schools have undeniably shaped generations of exceptional Ghanaians, from Georgina Wood at Wesley Girls, to Kofi Annan at Mfantsipim, from Sam Jonah at Adisadel College, to Paul Acquah at St. Augustine’s College. Their contributions to our national life are immense and deserving of respect.
Yet, as vital as these institutions are, their historical legacy and ethos cannot override the Constitution. Ghana’s legal framework must remain the ultimate guide in governing publicly funded schools, ensuring that the rights of all students, including the freedom to manifest their religion are fully protected.
Accordingly, I respectfully suggest that the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service consider establishing a clear, nationwide policy framework that:
- Affirms the constitutional rights of all students to manifest their faith within reasonable limits;
- Provides guidance on acceptable forms of religious accommodation across schools;
- Clarifies the scope of mission school autonomy in a manner that respects both heritage and constitutional obligations; and
- Ensures consistent and predictable practices, reducing the likelihood of future disputes.
Such a framework would safeguard the rights of students, respect mission schools’ historical contributions, and preserve Ghana’s proud record of religious tolerance and national cohesion.
Hon. Minister, Ghana looks to your leadership to guide this process with wisdom, balance, and foresight, ensuring that our schools remain centres of excellence, unity, and constitutional fidelity.
Yours faithfully,
Seth Kwame Awuku
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