Accra: Mr Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, the Minister for the Interior, has urged stakeholders to transform mission schools into models of inclusivity, where diversity is celebrated as a strength. At the launch of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on religious tolerance in government-assisted and private mission schools, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that these schools reflect a legacy of quality education, moral integrity, and unity in diversity.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Mubarak highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Ghanaian government and religious missions, which has played a crucial role in shaping generations of leaders and professionals. He noted that the holistic education provided by both entities has been instrumental in instilling values such as discipline, integrity, and service among students, contributing to the nation's development.

Despite this legacy, the Interior Minister expressed concern over recent incidents of religious misunderstandings in some mission schools. He warned that although these occurrences are isolated, they have the potential to disrupt the nation's long-standing harmony and called for renewed efforts to maintain peaceful coexistence.

The newly launched MoU, validated in April 2024 and signed by 13 religious missions with the endorsement of the Ghana Education Service, aims to serve as a national framework for managing religious diversity in mission schools. Mr Mubarak stressed that the MoU is a foundational commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and respect for all, regardless of religious affiliation.

Mr Mubarak also underscored the importance of sensitisation and education among stakeholders, including government, religious missions, school administrators, teachers, students, and communities, to ensure the effective implementation of the MoU. He cited constitutional provisions that protect religious freedom and the right to establish schools, highlighting the role of religion in Ghana's socio-economic and educational development.

The Minister commended the National Peace Council, Ghana Education Service, and religious missions for their collaborative efforts in developing the MoU. He expressed confidence in their ability to roll out nationwide sensitisation programs to promote its objectives and urged stakeholders to approach religious rights with mutual understanding and partnership.

The launch of the MoU marks the start of a transformative journey to ensure that mission schools uphold the values of inclusivity and become safe, welcoming environments for every Ghanaian child.