The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has weighed in on the ongoing national debate over religious freedoms in Christian mission schools, describing recent developments as “unfortunate and unfair,” particularly regarding the discussions surrounding Wesley Girls’ Senior High School.
In a statement dated November 27, 2025, Apostle Eric K. Nyamekye, President of GPCC, said the council has been following the matter “with keen attention and heartfelt concern,” adding that it found it necessary “to add her voice to this national discourse.”
The GPCC emphasised that while some issues are currently before the courts, the Council’s intention is to offer “a clear, comprehensive, and principled statement… affirming the values of the Christian community whilst promoting peaceful coexistence with our brothers and sisters of other religious faiths.”
The Council stressed that Christian mission schools have, for more than a century, been foundational to Ghana’s educational development.
According to GPCC, these institutions have long combined “quality academic instruction” with “moral and spiritual formation founded on Biblical teachings.”
It highlighted that even the “Ivy-League status” attained by some schools, including Wesley Girls’ High School, is largely due to “the Christian values, discipline and high moral standards practised in the schools.”
The GPCC insisted that these institutions “cannot be stripped of their Christian identity without undermining the very purpose for which they were established.”
Addressing constitutional concerns, the Council pointed to Articles 17(2), 21(1) and 25(1) of the 1992 Constitution, noting that these provisions protect both individual rights and institutional autonomy.
“The exercise of religious freedoms must occur within the context of mutual respect and institutional norms,” it stated.
While no student should be forced to abandon their faith practices, the Council underscored that students who voluntarily enrol in mission schools must “respect the institutions’ foundational values and codes of conduct.”
The GPCC cautioned against interpretations of religious freedom that “whilst advocating for one religious group, at the same time infringe upon the rights of others (in this case, a Christian-founded school) to uphold their religious identity.”
Clarifying ownership and management structures, the statement said, “Christian mission schools are not State-owned institutions; they are Mission-owned, but State-supported.”
It added that their Christian identity “is integral – not optional.”
Students of different faiths must be welcomed, the Council noted, but participation in Christian activities remains legitimate “as long as participation does not violate autonomy or compel students to renounce their beliefs.”
The GPCC called on all stakeholders, including religious leaders, parents, teachers, and policymakers to avoid actions that inflame tensions.
“Ghana has long been a beacon of religious coexistence in Africa. This enviable legacy must not be jeopardised by polarising narratives or political opportunism,” the statement urged.
The Council commended the Ministry of Education, GES, Muslim leaders, and Christian bodies for ongoing engagements, saying there must be “respect for the existing partnership agreements between the State and religious bodies.”
In its conclusion, the GPCC outlined several expectations, including:
- “The right of Christian mission schools to preserve their religious identity, ethos, values and traditions must be recognised and respected.”
- “The constitutional rights of all students to freedom of religious association should be respected.”
- The need for “constructive dialogue on issues relating to religious expression and the practice of religious beliefs.”
- Encouraging parents to choose schools that align with their “religious expectations, practice and values.”
- Developing “clear and elaborate national guidelines that protect institutions and individuals alike.”
The statement noted that Christian mission schools have served Ghana faithfully and are expected to “continue to shape the nation’s future, grounded in Christ-centred values and committed to spiritual, academic and moral excellence.”
