A Muslim student has resorted to legal action at the Supreme Court over what is being described as religious discrimination meted out to non-christians in the Wesley Girls High School, a school established on christian values.
The lawsuit filed on behalf of one Shafic Osman seeks to challenge the school’s policy compelling students to partake in Christian activities despite belonging in a different religion. This policy is said to be in violation of constitutional rights of Muslims. Some of the claims made in the writ are as follows:
“Violation of Constitutional Rights: That the school’s policy contravenes the 1992 Constitution, particularly articles related to freedom of religion, freedom from discrimination, and the prohibition of the establishment of religion.”
“Unlawful Discrimination: That the policy’s restrictions on Muslim students’ religious practices constitute unlawful discrimination.”
“Undermining Student Welfare: That the policy undermines the welfare of Muslim students by infringing upon their fundamental rights.”
“Establishment of Religion: That the compulsory participation in Methodist religious activities amounts to the establishment of religion within a public institution, which is unconstitutional.”
Moreover, the writ also demands that te Education Service develops guidelines for religious acitivities in government schools according to the constitution.
Chrisitian religious practices have been a norm in majority of schools in Ghana, as it is believed to be a Chrisitian nation, although others prefer to call it a secular state. Recital of the Lord’s Prayer during daily assemblies and worship services on Wednesdays have been the practice in most schools for decades. Students, regardles of their religious background have had to comply else face some form of punishments.
This legal action, when successful could guarantee students the liberty to not partake in the said religious practices, thereby reshaping the educational structure of the country.
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