The lawsuit, filed by Ghanaian citizen Sahfic Osman, accuses the school of suppressing Muslim students by restricting their ability to observe Islamic religious practices.

The plaintiff is seeking multiple legal declarations, including a ruling that the school’s policies violate the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Key among the claims is that the school’s prohibition of Islamic practices contradicts constitutional provisions safeguarding religious freedom and equality.

“A declaration that the 1st defendant’s policy compelling and requiring the practice of a compulsory school religion in a public school is contrary to and inconsistent with Articles 21(1)(b)(c) and Article 26,” the lawsuit reads.

The plaintiff also argues that, the limitations placed on Muslim students undermine their welfare under international human rights standards, which are recognized by Article 33(5) of the Ghanaian Constitution.

In addition to the declarations, the plaintiff is calling for an order compelling the Ghana Education Service to develop constitutionally compliant guidelines to regulate religious practices in all public schools across the country.

Below is the suit:

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The nomination was announced in a letter from the presidency to the Council of State on April 26, 2023.

It was made in lieu of the imminent retirement of current occupant of the office, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah and is also subject to approval by Parliament.

The release signed by National President Effie Simpson and titled ‘Wesley Girls’ High School Old Girls’ Association Applauds President’s Nominee for Chief Justice,’ said the nomination adds up to long list of accomplishments chalked by old girls.

Adding that it was “a firm testament to the high educational standards associated with Wesley Girls since its establishment 186 years ago.”

Read the full statement below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26th April 2023

Wesley Girls’ High School Old Girls’ Association Applauds President’s Nominee for Chief Justice

Wesley Girls’ High School, the oldest all girls secondary school in Ghana has recorded another feat with the President’s nomination of yet another past student of the school as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.

Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo, will follow in the footsteps of two past students of WGHS, who occupied the eminent position before her: Her Ladyship Justice (Rtd.) Georgina Wood (Ghana’s first female CJ) and Her Ladyship Justice (Rtd.) Sophia Akuffo.

The WGHS Old Girls’ Association and the entire staff and students of the school, take this opportunity to congratulate Her Ladyship for this great achievement.
Having been enrolled in the school as Gertrude Sackey in 1973 and graduating in 1978, the nominated CJ will bring to the position, the rich tradition of academic excellence that WGHS is famous for.

Her nomination is an addition to the long list of accomplishments registered by products of the school in several fields (locally and internationally) a firm testament to the high educational standards associated with Wesley Girls’ since its establishment 186 years ago.

No doubt, Her Ladyship’s eventual confirmation will inspire current and past students of the school to strive for greater heights in their studies and in their chosen fields of endeavour.

Whilst we look forward to her appointment, the Old Girls’ Association, staff and students of WGHS are confident that with the help of God Almighty, the nominee, together with other products of this great institution of learning, will continue in humility to serve humanity in diverse positions.

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