President Mahama Commends Peace Council for Facilitating MoU by Faith-Based Organisations

Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has commended the National Peace Council for spearheading the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by faith-based organisations, aimed at managing religious diversity in mission schools. According to Ghana News Agency, the President expressed his appreciation during a courtesy call on him by the National Peace Council, led by its Chairman Reverend Emmanuel Kofi Fianu. The Council presented a list of challenges it faces, seeking redress from the President. The MoU, signed in late 2024, aims to ensure inclusivity and tolerance in government-assisted schools by providing guidelines on practices such as fasting, worship spaces, and dress codes. The MoU was facilitated by the National Peace Council and endorsed by the Ghana Education Service (GES) along with over 13 missions. President Mahama noted, however, that despite the signing, these issues have been longstanding points of contention. He mentioned an ongoing case filed before the Supreme Court, awaiting judgme nt, regarding these matters. The President emphasized that the MoU acknowledges the faith orientation of mission schools while recognizing and embracing diversity. He pointed out that the faith-based organisations had already agreed on these terms within the MoU and expressed confidence in the Supreme Court's ability to resolve the issue, given the consensus outlined in the agreement. President Mahama highlighted that the MoU addresses fasting, acknowledging practices common to both Christians and Muslims. He emphasized the importance of diversity in religious education, with students from various religious backgrounds attending Christian or Islamic schools in Ghana. The MoU specifies that students can fast with parental consent, with parents assuming full responsibility for any health consequences. President Mahama expressed pride in the agreement and reiterated his commendation for the National Peace Council's role in fostering understanding among faith-based institutions.