By Christine Naadu Lartey, GNA
Tema, Dec. 02, GNA – Pastor Bright Owusu, the Leader of Shiloh Evangelistic Ministry in Tema, has called for decorum in the handling of religious-related issues in the country’s schools to prevent religious clashes and hate among Ghanaians.
He was speaking in reaction to recent debates on mission secondary schools having rules that reflected the mission ethos and putting restrictions on some religious practices.
Pastor Owusu told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that providing religious teachings and guidance to the youth, whether Christian or Muslim, was very important for shaping the future of the students.
He explained that without good morals, children could not build good character, which was why mission schools were first introduced by churches over the years.
He said, “Ghana has done very well in religious coexistence; therefore, the public, people in leadership, and those who matter must be cautious in how they handle the issue and must consider a win-win situation to prevent the stocking of violence and hate speech.”
He stated, for example, that there were non-Muslim children who attended Muslim schools such as T.I. Ahmadiyya and learned good values even though some practices did not go with their original worship, and vice versa with non-Christians who attended mission schools.
Pastor Owusu indicated that parents and religious leaders must acknowledge and respect the various school rules so long as they do not cause harm to the child, adding that every school has structures, including the parents’ teacher association (PTA), board, and old students, and should be used to solve issues within the school rather than a court action.
Meanwhile, some residents of Tema have expressed mixed opinions on the issues. Mrs Samantha Alhassan, a resident of Community Five, said the 1992 Constitution provides the freedom of worship and association for all Ghanaians.
Mrs Alhassan indicated that since Ghana was a secular country with people of many religions, preventing a Muslim student from praying or wearing her hijab in a Christian school went against this right, stressing that all students should be free to practice their religion without fear.
According to her, preventing the practice of religion in the schools would take away their freedom of worship, stressing that Qur’an 2:256 states that: “There is no compulsion in religion…” To you be your religion, and to me mine.”
Mr Daniel Dadzie, a parent of Tema First Baptist School, said most schools in Ghana were founded by Christian missionaries, with their values and practices rooted in Christianity; therefore, irrespective of the government support, the Christian ethos remained strong.
Mr Dadzie advised that parents who do not want their children exposed to Christian teachings might need to consider other schools; however, he added that for a peaceful coexistence, schools should allow Muslim students to practice their religion.
Mrs Lawrencia Mohommed, a Muslim, said that as a Muslim mother, she wanted her child to have the freedom to practice her faith even in Christian-founded schools, explaining that it was important for her child to observe Islamic practices like prayer and wearing the hijab while learning and interacting respectfully with students of other religions.
“Schools should respect all faiths and teach tolerance so that every child will feel included and confident in their identity.”
Some students also expressed unhappiness at various restrictions in schools.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Sawer/Kenneth Odeng Adade