The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA) has expressed its opinion that all pre-tertiary schools, regardless of whether they are public or private, faith-based or secular, are state institutions and must fully comply with constitutional provisions.
Therefore, it has called for measures to be implemented to address the emerging discriminatory religious practices in some public and private schools, including Wesley Girls’ Senior High School and Tema Senior High School.
Mr. Gapson Kofi Raphael, General Secretary of the Association, stated categorically in an interview with Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM that schools funded and patronized by the government and parents cannot favour one religion over others, but must provide equal leadership and foster an environment that embraces religious tolerance.
According to him, as captured in their statement, these schools cannot also:
“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.”
He expressed worry that this issue keeps popping up every year and yet, “we have not taken time to address it once and for all.”
He argued that despite the contributions of these faith-based organisations in establishing schools, and the decision to protect their traditions, they have also become public schools and must operate within the confines of the law.
“The debate currently going on is needless. We recognize the contributions of our missions and their desire to protect their traditions. However, the tradition must operate within constitutional boundaries. We cannot discriminate against others. What is happening will not promote unity, and therefore we have to drop it.”
He proposed to the government to design a ‘one-school policy’ in collaboration with all stakeholders that will capture a code of conduct for not just teachers but students, while a training programme is also organized to ensure that headteachers, teachers, and students comply with these rules and regulations.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
