The Muslim Professionals Association of Ghana is warning that repeated violations of the religious rights of Muslim students in some schools threaten the peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, one of the country’s strongest pillars of national unity.
In a statement signed by its National President, Prof. Alhaji Abdul Samed Muntaka, and General Secretary, Alhaji I.M. Nasir, the Association said Ghana’s peace can only be safeguarded when the constitutional rights of every citizen are upheld without compromise.
They cautioned that the continued struggle by Muslim students to have their rights respected, especially in educational institutions, is creating unnecessary tension that could weaken long-standing interfaith harmony.
The group cited the ongoing case involving Wesley College and a Muslim student, Osman Shafic, as an example of the systemic challenges Muslims encounter.
They also expressed concern about the stance taken by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, which they argue contradicts President John Dramani Mahama’s recent assurance to regional Imams that “no student should be compelled to abandon their faith.”
According to the Association, any justification that appears to endorse actions infringing on the constitutional rights of Muslim students is “unacceptable,” especially when public funds—contributed by citizens of all faiths—are used to defend such actions.
They urged Ghana to draw lessons from other countries where marginalising religious minorities led to instability and conflict.
“Persistent injustice toward one group has ignited conflict elsewhere; Ghana must not tread this dangerous path,” the statement warned, adding that safeguarding peace requires unwavering respect for constitutional principles.
The group called on the Government, the Ministry of Education, and related state institutions to take immediate action. Their demands include:
- An end to all violations of religious rights in schools
- Full protection of students’ constitutional right to freedom of religion
- A halt to the use of state funds to support actions that contradict the Constitution
- Stronger policy measures that promote interfaith harmony and equal treatment
The Association stressed that Ghana’s peace cannot rest on the continual infringement of one group’s rights, noting that fairness to both Muslims and Christians is essential to maintaining mutual trust.