The executives of Network of Muslim Youth Organization (NEMYOG) have called on Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to respond to a petition sent to its head office since 14th August 2012 on the discrimination against Muslims in schools.
The discrimination, according to the youth group is infringing on Muslim students’ freedom of worship. In a statement issued and signed by the deputy secretary media and research of the organisation, Adnan Adams Mohammed said the group was of the view that, this is a human right issue and therefore must immediately respond to its petition.
It has therefore giving CHRAJ two weeks ultimatum to come out with its ruling to help safe the situation.
On Friday last week a section of Muslims in the Western Region embarked on peace march in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to protest against what the Muslim youth organisation complained about.
Western Regional Manager of the Islamic Education Unit, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Abubakar said the peace march was to drum home the need for religious tolerance and respect for religious values and beliefs of each other as enshrined in the Constitution.
Also, a statement issued and signed by Communications Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah said: “We consider it not only as a religious intolerance, but also a breach of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, for Muslim students to be forced to take off their hijabs in schools. In much the same it is unacceptable for Muslim students to be forced to attend church services in schools, especially when it seeks to introduce those students to a religion, which they may not subscribe to, nor be adherents of.”
Quoting Article 21(1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana which says “All persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice” the minister said that the religious interest of the Muslim girls must be respected.
The Minister also warned “heads of institutions, including schools and workplaces, found to be contravening this basic constitutional right would be liable to sanctions.”
The National Peace Council has expressed surprise at the decision of some Muslims to go on a peace march in the Western Region.
The Chairman of the National Peace Council, Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante says, the Council has instituted measures to address the concerns raised by the Muslims.
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