Implement religious diversity MOU to protect Muslim students – FOMWAG

Accra: The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Ghana (FOMWAG) has called for the strict implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on religious diversity to ensure the protection of the rights of Muslim students in government‑assisted mission schools.
It noted that recent concerns of religious discrimination against muslims students in some public missions schools was a clarion call for stakeholders to adhere to the MoU, which protected students’ religious freedoms while preserving the traditions of mission institutions.
In a statement, FOMWAG said the MoU, developed through a national consultative process led by the National Peace Council, provided a clear framework to ensure that Muslim girls in publicly funded schools were not denied their constitutional right to practise their faith, especially during Ramadan.
It also acknowledged the historic role of mission schools in Ghana’s education system but stressed that their traditions must coexist with the constitutional rights of all students, particularly in government‑assisted institutions.
It urged the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Education, the Conference of Managers of Education Units (COMEU) and school authorities to ensure full enforcement of the MoU to prevent situations where Muslim students felt compelled to sacrifice their religious obligations for their education.
“Our girls deserve to learn in environments that respect their identity and safeguard their rights. This issue is both a constitutional responsibility and a moral imperative,” it stated.
FOMWAG appealed to school administrators to implement the MoU with transparency and compassion and called on the GES and Ministry of Education to monitor compliance and apply corrective measures where necessary.
It encouraged parents, faith groups and the public to support peaceful dialogue and uphold Ghana’s tradition of religious tolerance.
“This conversation should not divide us. It should remind us of the rich tapestry of faiths and values that have kept Ghana among the most peaceful nations in the world,” it said.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to build an education system that respected and empowered every child.
“Let us uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of our daughters, and choose peace and fairness.”
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