A logo of the Ghana Muslim Students’ Association
The Ghana Muslim Students’ Association (GMSA) has raised concerns over comments made by Supreme Court nominee, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, during her vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on June 18, 2025.
In a press release issued on June 23, 2025, GMSA congratulated Justice Amaleboba on her nomination and acknowledged her service to the nation.
However, the association expressed deep concern over her remarks suggesting that students who voluntarily attend faith-based schools are subject to the religious expectations of those institutions, even if such practices conflict with their personal beliefs.
According to GMSA, this position undermines the right to religious freedom guaranteed under Article 21(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution.
The group emphasised that this right is fundamental and must be protected from coercion, especially within publicly funded educational institutions, including mission schools operating under the Ghana Education Service.
“It is insufficient to argue that a student has waived these rights merely by choosing a particular school, especially in areas where educational options may be limited. Articles 12(1) and (2) of the Constitution, which require all individuals and institutions including private entities to respect the rights and freedoms of others,” the statement said.
The association strongly objected to practices such as compulsory church attendance for non-Christian students in faith-based schools, describing them as infringements on students’ freedom of conscience and religion.
It maintained that voluntariness must be genuine and hence students should not be forced to choose between education and their religious identity.
“No Ghanaian child should be compelled directly or indirectly to abandon or compromise their religious beliefs in order to access quality education,” GMSA stated.
The association called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to issue clear directives reinforcing the secular and inclusive nature of public education.
It also urged faith-based schools to respect students’ religious freedoms and appealed to Parliament and the Judiciary to uphold and protect these rights in all forums.
GMSA reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue with stakeholders to promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and constitutionalism in Ghana’s educational institutions.
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