Religious Tolerance Debate in Schools Threat to National Cohesion

Accra: Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has voiced concerns regarding the ongoing national debate on religious tolerance in schools, labeling it as a potential threat to Ghana's longstanding social cohesion. Speaking at the 87th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), Mr Ablakwa emphasized the historical role of Ghana's secondary school system, especially the boarding house experience, in fostering national unity and dismantling prejudice. According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister's comments come amidst increasing public discourse on the rights of religious minorities in mission-based schools. A legal challenge by private legal practitioner Mr Shafic Osman, directed at policies in Wesley Girls' Senior High School, particularly affects non-Methodist students, including Muslims. Mr Ablakwa shared his personal experience at PRESEC, where he lived alongside students from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, advoc ating for a shift from rigid religious doctrines to pressing national issues such as corruption, environmental degradation, and ethical leadership. Rev Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, also addressed the ongoing debate, calling for calm and mutual respect. He attributed Ghana's peaceful coexistence partly to the historical practice of non-Christian students respecting the ethos of mission schools. Rev Dr Kwakye emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of individuals from different religions while urging students in mission schools to respect the schools' founding ethos. He warned that the current trajectory of the debate could disrupt the national peace and cohesion for which Ghana is celebrated. The event also included the presentation of awards to over 40 students who excelled in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), along with honors for headteachers and staff contributing to the school's development. The 2000 Year Grou p (Y2K) completed a refurbishment of the school's dining hall as its legacy project.