<<Print>>

Heads of institutions who discriminate against any religious sect in Ghana will be sanctioned appropriately, President John Mahama has said.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address in Parliament Thursday, President Mahama said Article 21 (1) of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion and freedom to express one’s religious beliefs, thus it was wrong for heads of institutions to compel either Christians or Muslims to partake in any activity that was against their religious beliefs.

Expressing worry over recent complaints about discrimination of Muslims in the Western Region, President Mahama noted that, “It is wrong under our constitution for Muslim students to be compelled to attend church services or for Christian students to be compelled to attend Muslim congregational prayers. It is also wrong to prevent Muslim women from wearing their veils known as hijab or for Christian nuns from wearing their habits to work or to school.”

President Mahama therefore gave a stern warning to heads of institutions to comply with the provisions of the 1992 Constitution or face being sanctioned.

“Ghana has enjoyed a long history of religious tolerance…Our constitution in Article 21(1) guarantees the freedom of religion and the freedom to express one’s religious beliefs…Heads of institutions must note this for strict compliance. Appropriate sanctions will be taken against any head of institution who acts contrary to the constitutional provision of our country”, President Mahama said.