Mahama Praises Peace Council for Religious Diversity Initiative
President John Dramani Mahama has lauded the National Peace Council for its pivotal role in securing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among faith-based organisations, aimed at fostering religious harmony in mission schools across the country.
The commendation came during a courtesy call by the National Peace Council, led by its Chairman, Reverend Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, who presented a range of challenges confronting the Council to the President for possible intervention.
President Mahama acknowledged the 2024 MoU as a significant step towards ensuring inclusivity and tolerance within government-assisted schools, particularly regarding religious practices such as fasting, designated worship areas, and appropriate dress codes.
The agreement, facilitated by the National Peace Council, received endorsements from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and over thirteen religious missions.
Despite the MoU’s signing, the President observed that the underlying issues continue to be debated. “We took note that somebody filed a case before the Supreme Court, which is yet to pronounce its judgement on the issue. If you read what the faith-based organisations agreed in their own MoU, I don’t see any point of dispute,” he stated.
He explained that the MoU recognizes the faith-based nature of mission schools while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of accommodating religious diversity. “It is right there in the MoU,” he affirmed.
“So, I don’t want to suggest it, but I think the Supreme Court has its way cut out for it. Because the same people have signed up for that MoU. And so, I don’t see what the contention there is,” President Mahama added.
The President highlighted the MoU’s specific provisions for fasting, noting its recognition as a practice common to both Christianity and Islam. He pointed out that this understanding allows students from diverse religious backgrounds to attend either Christian or Islamic schools in Ghana.
Regarding fasting, the MoU stipulates that students may participate with the explicit consent of their parents, who will bear full responsibility for any health implications arising from the practice, relieving the school of any liability.
“I think this is something that we could all be proud of,” President Mahama said, reiterating his appreciation for the National Peace Council’s mediation efforts in achieving this consensus among the faith-based institutions.
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