Institutional Heads To Be Sanctioned; Stop Compelling Muslim/Christian Students - Prez Mahama Admonishes

President John Dramani Mahama has warned institutions in the country not to cause any religious friction in the country.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address, President John Mahama admonished school authorities to desist from compelling Muslims and Christians to co-exist under strict terms.

Recently, some Muslim brothers in the Western Region demonstrated against school authorities in the region over what they believe were unfair treatment of their Muslims sisters.

They kicked against the culture where their female Muslims are prevented from wearing veils, also called Hijab, over their heads to the neck and sometimes worn to cover their faces due to the some strict rules and regulations in various institutions which frown on the use of veils.

Addressing the issue on the floor of Parliament Thursday, President Mahama pledged to sanction Heads of institutions who contravene the constitutional provisions for freedom of religion and freedom of religious expressions.

He stated that, in accordance with Article 21 (1) of Ghana’s constitution, no Head of institution is supposed to trample over the people's freedom of religion.

“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 work or to school.

“Heads of institution must note this for strict compliance. Appropriate sanctions will be taken against any Head of institution who acts contrary to the constitutional provisions of our country," President Mahama stressed.