Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Mission, Sheikh Dr. Amin Bonsu has appealed to heads of institutions and organizations to realize the need to uphold the religious rights and freedom persons under them irrespective their religious affiliation.

This, he said, is necessary to ensure that Ghanaians continue to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the country.

“Tolerance, respect for fundamental human rights, freedom of religion, respect for the rule law (constitution of Ghana) and kindness are among the factors that will ensure peaceful coexistence in our homes, schools, institutions, communities and nation as a whole. This is an important aspect of our civilization as people in this 21^st century,” he underscored.

In a statement issued to address the recent debate on religious brouhaha in some schools, Sheikh Dr. Amin Bonsu advocated for religious freedom for all Ghanaians in the country especially in the educational institutions and work places.

Some of the issues that he touched on include the veiling (head covering), religious dressing, and freedom of worship among others.

Worshipping, he said is an act of sincerity, pure intentions and devotion to God so it will be unnecessary to compel people to worship against their will.

“God Himself will not like people to come to worship Him in anger and fear so we must know what is right so that we will not offend God through our actions. Both the Holy Quran and the Bible clearly talks against compulsion in religion. In Quran Chapter 2 verse 256 (Al-Baqara 2:256), Allah says ‘There is no compulsion in religion…’”

Compelling people to worship against their wills have great effects on the individual, families, communities and the nation as a whole, Dr. Amin Bonsu who is also the Chairman of the Board of Patrons of the Ghana Muslim Students Association  asserted asserted.

He observed: “Many Muslim children have and still cannot access formal education because of the fear of forcing them to worship other religion apart from their religion. Students   who also go through such acts suffer a lot of fear, psychological problems, and academic problems among other serious problems. Many Muslim professionals like nurses, bankers, teachers are not working, some have also quit their jobs and others are not able to work peacefully and effectively because they are not allowed to observe their religious rights like veiling which is a command by God in Quran 33:59 and the Bible 1 Corinthians 11:6 and 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Some are also denied the right to pray and wear their Hijab as well.

“True worshippers of God always want to obey His words which include covering their heads and body as the Prophets Jesus and Mohammed all spoke about because there is a lot of wisdom behind these religious activities. Jesus has said that, the eye, ear and the mind all fornicate so we must guide and protect them all. In the end, these acts negatively affect the individuals, their families, communities and the development of the nation as a whole.”

He suggested the following measures to help contain the issue:

1. Public schools, institutions and organizations must desist from compelling students and people to worship against their will especially from the fact that they are strictly run with taxpayers’ money from all Ghanaians of all religious backgrounds and as such must respect and uphold the rights of the people enshrined in the constitution.

2. Schools and institutions in general whether public, private or mission based must allowed students the opportunity to worship within their faith in or outside the school environment. However, purely faith-based schools and institutions must be allowed to observe the faith values without tempering on the religious rights of others.

3. General schools gatherings must be differentiated from religious gatherings. General gatherings must be run just like how national ceremonies are run. Topics on moral, social, national and general issues which will benefit all students and people irrespective of their religious backgrounds but can have references in the Quran and the Bible. The speakers and resource persons for such gatherings must be carefully selected with no preference to any particular religion but base on the character, personality, experiences and background of the person on the chosen topic or issue.

4. Women especially Muslims in schools and institutions must be granted the freedom to cover their heads in a presentable manner. However, we recommend uniform colour preferably white.  

5. Public schools must allow for the construction of a Mosque for all Muslims and Church for all Christians irrespective of the denominations in those schools and institutions.

Sheikh Dr. Amin Bonsu believes adhering to and implementing the above measures, the country will be devoid of any form of religious troubles and violence.