A landmark lawsuit has been filed against Wesley Girls Senior High School, (Weygeyhey), the Ghana Education Service, and the Attorney General, challenging the school’s policy that compels all students to participate in Methodist religious activities. The plaintiff, Shafic Osman, argues that this policy violates the constitutional rights of Muslim students to freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination.
Osman is seeking several declarations from the court, including:
- Unlawful Discrimination: A declaration that the school’s policy prohibiting Muslim students from practicing their faith is unlawfully discriminatory and violates Article 17(a) of the Constitution.
- Establishment of Religion: A declaration that the compulsory participation in Methodist religious activities amounts to the establishment of religion within a public institution, which is unconstitutional.
- Restraining Order: An order perpetually restraining the school and the Education Service from enforcing this policy and similar policies in other schools.
- Guidelines for Religious Practice: An order directing the Education Service to enact constitutionally compliant guidelines for regulating religious practice and observance in all public schools in Ghana.
This lawsuit has significant implications for religious freedom and the rights of minority groups in Ghana. The outcome of this case will have a profound impact on how religious practices are addressed within the country’s public education system.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
