The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA) has raised concerns over what it describes as emerging discriminatory religious practices in some public and private schools, including Wesley Girls’ Senior High School and Tema Senior High School.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 25, the Council said it was “deeply concerned” about administrative directives that appear to favour particular religious doctrines at the expense of students of other faiths, calling such developments a threat to the national interest and to Ghana’s constitutional principles.

Representing parents and guardians nationwide, the NCPTA stressed that no public institution is permitted to act outside the confines of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

It highlighted Article 1(2), which states that any law or directive inconsistent with the Constitution “shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void”.

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The Council reiterated that all pre-tertiary schools, whether public or private, faith-based or secular, are state institutions and must comply fully with constitutional provisions.

According to the NCPTA, schools funded and patronised by the government and parents cannot:

• Favour one religion over others, but must provide equal leadership and foster an environment that embraces religious tolerance.
• Suppress the practices of minority religions, unless such practices clearly violate Article 14(1)(e) and only where restrictions are narrowly tailored to the genuine welfare of children.
• Impose religiously rooted rules on students who do not share that faith, as such practices infringe Articles 12, 17 and 21(1)(c) guaranteeing human rights, non-discrimination and religious freedom.

While commending the historical contributions of faith-based institutions to Ghana’s education system, the NCPTA stressed that these schools were built on foundations of tolerance and mutual respect rather than religious rigidity.

“Tradition must operate within constitutional boundaries,” the statement noted, adding that no school’s heritage should justify discriminatory conduct.

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The Council highlighted the vital role of parents under the Pre-tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049), which recognises them as crucial stakeholders in school governance.

It emphasised the importance of parental oversight through PTAs, School Management Committees and Boards, describing these structures as essential for transparency, accountability and diversity.

Parents, it said, must remain vigilant to ensure that no school environment undermines their children’s freedoms. The NCPTA urged parents of all religious backgrounds to unite in defending fairness, dignity and equal treatment for every learner.

• READ ALSO: Wesley Girls’ case: No right is divisible; we won’t deny any girl her faith – Education Minister

To address the concerns, the NCPTA proposed urgent reforms:

1. Comprehensive review of school policies by the Ministry of Education, parents, faith-based bodies and other stakeholders, ensuring full compliance with the Constitution, Act 1049 and international human rights standards.
2. Continuous training for school administrators, teachers, PTA leaders and board members in constitutional literacy, diversity management and student welfare.
3. Greater student participation in decision-making processes to ensure their voices and rights are prioritised.
4. Strengthened community engagement to promote understanding and acceptance of religious diversity.
5. Firm enforcement of existing laws, demanding that discriminatory or unconstitutional practices be swiftly addressed and sanctioned.

The Council reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that Ghana’s schools remain “centres of tolerance, discipline, inclusivity, moral integrity and academic excellence”.

It pledged to continue advocating for the protection of every Ghanaian child, regardless of their faith background.