Sheikh Yusuf Umar Jallo is an Islamic scholar
Revered Islamic scholar condemns Wesley Girls’ High School, Attorney General over alleged religious discrimination
Revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Umar Jallo, has strongly condemned the leadership of Wesley Girls’ High School and the Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, for defending what he describes as blatant religious discrimination against Muslim students at the school.
Sheikh Yusuf expressed deep concern that the Attorney General, instead of safeguarding the constitutional rights of all Ghanaians, is attempting to justify policies that allegedly prevent Muslim girls from fasting during Ramadan, prohibit hijab, restrict the five daily prayers, and compel them to participate in Christian worship on campus.
According to the scholar, the Attorney General’s argument that the school is under the Methodist Church and therefore allowed to enforce Christian-based regulations is not only unconstitutional but morally unacceptable. He emphasized that Ghana’s laws guarantee freedom of religion and strictly prohibit coercion in matters of faith.
Citing the Quranic verse, “There is no compulsion in religion,” Sheikh Yusuf stressed that no state-funded institution has the right to impose a religious belief on students. He reminded authorities that Wesley Girls’ High School receives public funding from taxpayers of all faiths, making it accountable to the entire nation, not a single religious denomination.
He also explained that the wearing of hijab and the observance of fasting are divine commandments for Muslim women, quoting verses from Surah An-Nur and Surah Al-Ahzab to highlight their religious importance. He added that fasting is a sacred pillar of Islam that purifies the soul, enhances empathy, and strengthens faith practices—no school has the authority to forbid it.
Sheikh Yusuf further urged the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, to intervene decisively. “Muslims have high hopes in him, especially given his background. We trust that he will uphold the laws of this land and not disappoint the community,” he said.
The revered scholar called on Muslim Members of Parliament, Islamic scholars, Zongo chiefs, and all Muslim leaders to add their voices to the matter and defend the rights of Muslim students nationwide. “This is the moment for unity. When injustice arises, silence becomes a dangerous endorsement,” he cautioned.
The case, originally filed by Shafiq Osman, continues to spark national debate about religious tolerance, school authority, and constitutional freedoms in Ghana.
Sheikh Yusuf concluded with a prayer, asking Allah to guide the nation’s leaders toward justice, fairness, and the protection of every citizen regardless of their faith.