Ghana Must Uphold Its Legacy of Religious Coexistence in Schools – Haruna Iddrisu Speaks at Nkwasco @ 60

Haruna Iddrisu Calls for Calm and Unity Amid Rising Debate on Religious Rights in Schools

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has appealed to religious leaders across the country to help maintain Ghana’s longstanding peace and harmony amid what he describes as a “raging debate” over rights and religious practices in educational institutions.

Speaking at the 60th Anniversary celebration of Nkwatia Presby Senior High School (Nkwasco) in the Kwahu East District on Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Minister urged both the leadership of the Christian community and the leadership of Islam in Ghana to safeguard the nation’s cherished religious tolerance.

“There is a raging debate in Ghana today on rights and religious practices in our various educational institutions,” he said. “Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the leadership of the Church of Ghana and the leadership of Islam of Ghana — let us preserve the peace, the unity, and the religious co-existence of our country.”

Haruna Iddrisu praised Ghana’s global reputation as a model of peaceful religious coexistence, citing the National Chief Imam’s participation in Christian gatherings as an example of mutual respect.

“Ghana remains a beacon of inspiration when it comes to religious co-existence. I’ve seen the National Chief Imam comfortably go to a church facility to join them — that is how it should be. Let us respect the values of our religion in general and guarantee those rights in freedom,” he stressed.

The Minister also shared his personal experience growing up in Tamale, where he attended the well-known Kluklu Presbyterian School, which shared a wall with a Methodist school.

“I was not denied the opportunity to uphold my religious values, beliefs, and faith — it co-existed,” he said, emphasizing that Ghana’s schools have long served as inclusive spaces where diverse beliefs can thrive peacefully.

His contribution comes at a time when discussions on religious expression in schools have intensified nationwide.