25/11/2025
Here is a clear, fair, and constitution-based analysis without taking a political or partisan stance. I will base the verdict on:
1. The 1992 Constitution of Ghana
2. GES rules governing public schools
3. The principle of balancing institutional rules with individual rights
1. What the Ghana Constitution Says
1992 Constitution – Freedom of Religion
Article 21(1)(c): “All persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice.”
Article 26(1): Protects cultural and religious practices as long as they do not violate others’ rights.
Article 17: Equality before the law (no discrimination based on religion).
👉 This means students in public schools have the constitutional right to practice their religion, including prayer, fasting, wearing approved religious attire (where it does not violate safety rules), etc.
2. What GES Policy Says
GES rules for public schools require that:
All public schools must respect students’ religious freedom.
Schools cannot force students to follow a religious practice they do not believe in.
But schools can set reasonable rules for discipline, time management, safety, and academic order.
👉 Wesley Girls is a public school, even though it was established by the Methodist Church.
This means GES rules override denominational preferences.
3. What the Attorney General (AG) Said
The AG reportedly argued that:
Wesley Girls has the right to practice Methodist Christian faith
And may prevent other religious practices in the school
This implies the school can limit students’ religious expression.
4. Is the AG’s Position Correct or Wrong?
🔹 According to the Constitution:
The AG’s statement goes against Article 21(1)(c).
You cannot prevent a student from practicing their religion in a public school unless the practice is dangerous, disruptive, or violates academic order.
So constitutionally, the AG is wrong.
🔹 According to GES Policy:
GES has previously ruled on the Wesley Girls fasting issue (2021) and stated:
Public schools cannot ban religious practices completely.
They may only regulate how the practice is done (e.g., supervised fasting, approved prayer times).
So according to GES, the AG is also wrong.
⚖️ Final Verdict
The Attorney General’s position is NOT supported by the Ghana Constitution or GES rules.
Because:
1. Freedom of worship is a fundamental human right.
2. Wesley Girls, being a public school, must follow GES rules—not denominational rules.
3. A public school cannot prohibit students from practicing their own religion, only regulate how it is done for safety or discipline.
Schools can require all students to attend general school activities (assembly, classes, etc.),
but they cannot force students into Methodist practices or stop them from their own religion.
