Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, the Minister for the Interior, has called on stakeholders to make the mission schools models of inclusivity where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated as strength.

“Together we can ensure that the legacy of our mission schools entails a legacy of quality education, moral integrity and unity in diversity,” he said.

“Let us renew our commitment to building a Ghana where every child, regardless of their religious background, can thrive in an environment of mutual respect and understanding.”

Mr Mubarak said at the launch of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on religious tolerance in government-assisted and private mission schools.

He noted that Ghana’s educational system had long benefited from a strong partnership between government and religious missions, which had played a vital role in producing generations of leaders and professionals.

“These professionals embody values such as discipline, integrity and service,” he said.

“There is no doubt that the effort of offering holistic education by both government and missions has largely contributed to producing a generation of leaders, professionals, and citizens who embody the values of integrity, discipline, and service.”

This legacy is one we cherish and must protect.”

However, the Interior Minister expressed concern over recent incidents of religious misunderstandings in some mission schools, warning that such occurrences, though isolated, could threaten the nation’s long-standing harmony.

“As a nation that prides itself on unity in diversity, we cannot allow such challenges to undermine the peaceful coexistence that has been a hallmark of our society,” he stated.

Mr Mubarak said the newly launched MoU, which was validated in April 2024 and signed by 13 religious missions, with endorsement from the Ghana Education Service, would serve as a national framework for managing religious diversity in mission schools.

“It is not merely a set of guidelines, but a foundational commitment to upholding the principles of inclusivity, fairness and respect for all, regardless of religious affiliation.”

He underscored the need for sensitisation and education among stakeholders, government, religious missions, school administrators, teachers, students and communities to ensure the effective implementation of the MoU.

“We must make efforts to foster mutual respect and understanding of religious diversity in our schools, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity,” Mr Mubarak said.

He cited constitutional provisions that protect religious freedom and the right to establish schools, including Article 21(1)(c) and Article 25(2) of the 1992 Constitution, as evidence of the significant role religion plays 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 and expressed confidence in their ability to roll out nationwide sensitisation programmes to promote its objectives.

He urged stakeholders not to approach the issue of religious rights with confrontation, but rather with a spirit of mutual understanding and partnership.

“Let us work together to ensure our mission schools remain peaceful places that inspire hope, unity and excellence.”

“Let us teach our children not only to excel academically, but also to live harmoniously with others.”

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