Religious Discrimination: Exercise Restraint as We Await Supreme Court Ruling- Zongo Development Fund
The Zongo Development Fund (ZoDF) has called on Ghanaians to exercise restraint amid what it observes to be a heightened tension in an ongoing national debate over the restriction on non-Christian religious practices within Christian mission schools.
In a statement, the Fund enjoined all stakeholders to exercise restraint as the country awaits the constitutional prerogative of the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the matter.
It reminded us that Ghana is an oasis of peaceful co-existence, interfaith harmony and tolerance on the African continent.
“This situation is engendered by centuries of cohabitation among various religions in Ghana. Indeed, our constitution upholds the inalienable right to freedom of religion and guarantees the right of every citizen to practice his/her faith, devoid of let or hindrance.”
“As a major stakeholder in the education of marginalised communities, the Zongo Development Fund wishes to reiterate its appeal to Ghanaians of all faiths to exercise maximum restraint as the Supreme Court adjudicates on this important national issue.”
Faith Suppression Saga
The debate was sparked by a suit, filed in December 2024 by private legal practitioner Shafic Osman, invoking the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Articles 2(1)(b) and 130(1)(a) of the 1992 Constitution.
The action challenges the school’s alleged restrictions on Muslim students, including claims that they are barred from wearing the hijab, fasting during Ramadan, and observing other Islamic practices, actions the plaintiffs argue violate constitutional protections for religious freedom.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
