Former Sekondi MP, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has questioned President John Mahama’s silence on the escalating controversy surrounding religious rights at Wesley Girls’ High School.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 29, he said the country deserves to know the President’s clear position as the issue takes on national significance, especially with the Supreme Court now intervening.
“The role of politicians in this matter and what they promised must be made clear… I don’t recall the NPP promising such a thing. If politicians made commitments, then they ought to bear their cross… So why is the President not speaking? What’s his own take on the brouhaha?” he asked
Mr. Mercer argued that before heated political commentary is injected into the debate, the public must first understand what truly happens within the school.
Touching on the hijab debate, he warned that forcing mission schools to alter long-standing policies may create unnecessary confrontation.
“Insisting that girls should wear hijabs when Wesley Girls does not permit it will lead to a clash,” he said.
He also noted that many Muslims have passed through Wesley Girls successfully, urging Ghanaians not to rely solely on political narratives that may distort the facts.
“Wesley Girls must come and tell us if, when you attend the school and elect not to eat during a certain period of the year, they actually prevent you from doing so. I’m not convinced that is the practice on the ground,” he said.
His comments come as the Supreme Court has given the Wesley Girls’ Board 14 days to respond to allegations that Muslim students face restrictions on fasting, prayer, and hijab use. The case has also taken a new turn with Democracy Hub being admitted as an interested party, raising expectations that the Court’s ruling could reshape how mission schools handle religious diversity.
Despite strong debates from civil society, political actors, and religious groups, President Mahama has yet to publicly comment on the issue—prompting Mr. Mercer’s call for clarity from the highest office.
