The Methodist Church of Ghana has firmly denied allegations of religious discrimination at Wesley Girls High School (WGHS), asserting that the school’s longstanding traditions are lawful, inclusive, and crucial for fostering unity and discipline among students.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 28, the Church responded to reports concerning a Supreme Court case, *Shafic Osman v. The Board of Governors, Attorney-General & Ghana Education Service*. Although the Church has not yet received formal notification of the case, it indicated that it is in the process of obtaining official documents to allow its legal team to respond appropriately.
The Church stressed that claims portraying WGHS as a “public school” engaged in discriminatory practices are unfounded. Since its founding in 1836 by Harriet Wrigley, the school has been dedicated to developing the “Head, Heart, and Hand” of the girl-child, regardless of race, religion, creed, or background.
Emphasizing nearly two centuries of educating students from various religious backgrounds—including Muslims, Adventists, Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Eckists, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists, and agnostics—the Church pointed out that many alumni have made significant contributions to society. This, it argued, reflects the Methodist teachings that discrimination is incompatible with Christian values.
The Church further clarified that government support provided to faith-based schools in the early 1960s did not alter the Methodist identity of WGHS. The school has consistently upheld its Christian foundation, as evidenced by its motto, *“Live Pure, Speak True, Right Wrong, Follow the King,”* and its school hymn, both of which emphasize a commitment to Christian and moral development.
Students admitted to WGHS are expected to respect the school’s traditions and adhere to a framework designed to foster uniformity, discipline, order, and a shared experience. The Church argued that, as enrolment increases and diversity grows, maintaining a cohesive structure is essential for all students to live, study, worship, and engage together.
While acknowledging students’ constitutional right to practice their faith, the Church contended that establishing parallel systems—such as separate routines for eating, sleeping, worshiping, or studying—would lead to segregation and undermine the collective culture of the school.
The Church also referenced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on April 15, 2024, by the Conference of Managers of Education Units (COMEU), facilitated by the National Peace Council. Supported by major Christian organizations and Muslim leadership, including the Office of the National Chief Imam and the Ahmadiyya Mission, the MOU provides a framework for fostering harmony in mission schools, a framework that WGHS continues to uphold.
In conclusion, the Methodist Church expressed gratitude for the public support it has received from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Anglican Church, and other ecumenical groups that have issued statements of solidarity.
Source; theghanareport.com
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