The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has issued a statement addressing the ongoing national debate surrounding the role of Christian mission schools and the practice of other religious faiths, with particular focus on Wesley Girls Senior High School.

The Council expressed “keen attention and heartfelt concern” over discussions that it described as unfairly targeting the historic institution.

While noting that certain aspects of the matter are currently before the courts, the GPCC emphasised its intention to provide a principled perspective grounded in Ghana’s constitutional democracy.

Christian mission schools, established by various church bodies over a century ago, have been recognised as pillars of Ghana’s educational system.

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They have contributed significantly to academic excellence, moral instruction, leadership development, and national identity formation.

“The ‘ivy-league’ status achieved by institutions such as Wesley Girls Senior High School is rooted in Christian values, discipline, and moral standards,” the Council said.

According to the GPCC, traditions such as worship, chapel services, and codes of conduct are integral to the schools’ identities and cannot be removed without undermining their foundational purpose.

Citing Articles 17(2), 21(1), and 25(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the GPCC stressed the dual protection afforded to individuals and institutions regarding religious practice.

While students’ rights to practice their faith are protected, the Council noted that mission schools equally have the right to maintain their Christian ethos.

“Students, regardless of faith, voluntarily enrolling in these schools are expected to respect the institutions' foundational values and codes of conduct,” the statement added.

The GPCC cautioned against interpretations of religious freedom that might compromise the rights of mission schools to uphold their Christian character.

The Council highlighted the unique position of mission schools, which are privately owned by religious bodies but supported by the State.

While welcoming students of all faiths, the schools’ Christian identity remains integral. Participation in school activities must respect both the institution’s autonomy and the individual beliefs of students.

The GPCC commended ongoing dialogues between the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, religious councils, and Muslim leadership, encouraging continued cooperation to ensure both educational excellence and religious freedom.

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Call for Peace, Tolerance, and National Unity

The GPCC urged all stakeholders, including religious leaders, parents, students, and policymakers, to avoid inflaming tensions. Ghana has long been celebrated for its religious coexistence, and the Council emphasised the need to safeguard this legacy.

The statement outlined several recommendations, including:

• Respecting the right of Christian mission schools to preserve their religious identity.
• Upholding the constitutional rights of all students to practice their faith.
• Promoting constructive dialogue on religious expression in schools.
• Encouraging parents to select schools aligned with their values.
• Developing clear national guidelines protecting both institutions and individuals.

The GPCC affirmed its commitment to ensuring that Christian mission schools continue to provide quality education grounded in spiritual, moral, and academic excellence, contributing to the development of generations of Ghanaian leaders.

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