Advocates for Christ Ghana (A4CG) has joined the Christian community in expressing deep concern over rising tensions regarding religious expression and the management of Mission Schools, specifically criticizing the Ministry of Education for recent policy pronouncements.
In a statement issued today, the A4CG’s Education Gate stated that actions and administrative posturing by state officials appear to “unduly pressure Christian Mission Schools to alter their time-tested values and operating principles in the name of human rights.”
The group unequivocally affirmed its support for the stance taken by the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and the Anglican Church of Ghana, asserting that these institutions have historically been guided by values promoting discipline, excellence, and godliness.
A4CG specifically targeted recent statements made by the Minister of Education in Parliament concerning religious rights at Wesley Girls High School, describing them as a “distortion of the constitutional tenet of religious impartiality” and a potential violation of the duty of neutrality expected of a public office serving a multi-faith Ghana.
The group warned that it is dangerous to characterize the enforcement of a Mission School’s internal policies as oppressive, especially given that attendance is voluntary and Islamic Mission Schools similarly enforce rules consistent with their faith.
Accordingly, A4CG rejected any attempt to force Christian Mission Schools to dilute their identity. They called on the Ministry of Education to clarify its commitment to neutrality, institutional autonomy, and respect for Ghana’s diverse religious traditions. A4CG urged the Ministry to engage in broad consultations with all faith-based stakeholders before making public pronouncements, reaffirm the state’s commitment to non-interference in the internal regulations of Mission Schools, and uphold the promise made in 2016 to hand back Mission Schools to their founding churches and missions.
The group concluded by urging all Ghanaians to resist narratives that undermine institutions built on decades of service and excellence to preserve national peace and unity. The statement was signed by Edem Senanu, Chairman of Advocates for Christ Ghana.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
