Former Manhyia South MP, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has expressed disappointment over the ongoing controversy involving Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, questioning why it has suddenly become an issue.
“This issue had never been an issue before, so why is it an issue now?” he asked during a one-on-one interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh, an alumnus of Prempeh College, pointed out the history of religious tolerance in Ghanaian schools.
“I went to Prempeh College, and I had Muslim friends who completed school with us. I know Christians who went to Muslim schools. If religion had been a real barrier, our ancestors who built these schools would not have allowed it,” he said.
He stressed that ancestors prioritized unity over religious differences.
“When the schools were being created, Methodist and Presbyterian people came together. Every part of this country has tolerated different religions while still worshipping their own gods. If we want to use religion to divide this country, then our ancestors should take over,” he added.
On the issue of school choice, Dr. Opoku Prempeh emphasized personal responsibility.
“School choice in Ghana has always been free. Nobody forces anyone to attend any school. If a student chooses a school, they should understand its rules and regulations. If they are choosing the school for its academic standards and not because of religion, then why are we even talking about this?”
His comments come as the Supreme Court hears a case against Wesley Girls’ SHS, where lawyer Shafic Osman alleges that the school prevents Muslim students from praying, fasting, and practicing other aspects of their faith.
The Court has ordered Wesley Girls to respond within 14 days and has allowed civil society group Democracy Hub to join the case as amicus curiae.
Meanwhile, Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine has rejected claims of discrimination, asserting that the Methodist-run school retains the right to enforce rules reflecting its Christian foundation, even if this limits certain religious practices.
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