Accra: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide religious tolerance in government-assisted and private mission schools has been launched in Accra. The MoU, signed by 13 missions and religious bodies, aims to provide guidelines that enable a safe learning environment, preventing discrimination on religious grounds to enhance greater social cohesion and the promotion of national peace.
According to Ghana News Agency, the MoU provides clear and binding guidelines for mission schools to create safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory learning environments. Key provisions include the acceptance of diversity, religious practices, dress code, transparency, and a safe and healthy school environment, among other things. Developed by the Conference of Managers of Education Units (COMEU) and validated by the National Peace Council (NPC), the MoU was validated in April 2024 and endorsed by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service on April 11, 2025.
The Most Revered Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Chairman of the Peace Council, described the MoU as a landmark document representing a unified commitment to fostering peace, inclusivity, and harmony in educational institutions. He emphasized the longstanding partnership between the Government and religious missions, which has been a cornerstone of the nation's educational system, shaping the minds and hearts of countless Ghanaians.
Rev. Fianu highlighted that the 13 esteemed missions that have signed the MoU each contribute uniquely to Ghana's educational landscape. These missions include the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the Ahmadiyya Mission, A.M.E Zion Church, Anglican Church, Assemblies of God Church, and the Ghana Baptist Convention, among others.
He noted that their dedication to education and moral development is crucial for Ghana's progress, adding, "We celebrate your collective efforts and acceptance of this MOU." Recent incidents of religious misunderstandings have exposed gaps in the educational system's approach to religious diversity, further underscoring the urgent need for standardized regulations.
Rev. Fianu pointed out that these incidents risked undermining the peaceful coexistence guaranteed by Articles 21 and 25 of the 1992 Constitution, which enshrine freedom of religion and equal educational opportunities for all. The document, born out of extensive stakeholder consultations, including the Ministry of Education and various religious leaders, addresses these challenges head-on.
The NPC Chairman assured that the Council would lead a nationwide sensitization program with the support of the Regional Education Directors to ensure the guidelines are embraced by all stakeholders. He called on educators, parents, and students to join in building schools that are sanctuaries of learning and harmony.
Rev. Thompson Kofi Arboh, National President of COMEU, stated that the MoU would ensure that managers of mission schools enjoy a high level of congeniality in their schools through supervision. He emphasized that this would promote teaching and learning and augment the already enviable high academic standards and other co-curricular performances.
COMEU, comprising three major blocks of general managers and regional managers of schools established by church missions, the Islamic Ahmadiyya missions, and regimental units such as the Military and Police, pledged their support for the MoU. Rev. Arboh urged all heads of institutions at the pre-tertiary levels, entire communities, parents, and students to support the initiative, stating, "COMEU has always shown the way that it is doable. Let us all come on board and make this work."