Education Minister cautions against religious restrictions in schools

Minister in Charge of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu citing a constitutional provision of religious freedom has called on educational institutions across the country to refrain from imposing religious restrictions on students

At a meeting with the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for School Candidates awardees in Accra, the Minister of Education emphasised that no student should be denied the right to practice their religion.

“Ghana is a secular state, and so we should respect the religion of students. No student should be prevented from practising their religion.

Students should practise their religion freely, as the constitution allows, and we must uphold strict compliance with religious freedom,” the Education Minister told prospective students and stakeholders at the meeting.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu congratulated the students on their academic excellence and urged them to embrace learning as a pathway to personal and national development.

“Education remains a key driver for self-development and career growth. Your journey does not end here; it is just the beginning. If you avail yourself of the opportunity to learn and work hard, the world will open up to you,” he advised.

The Sector Minister for Education underscored the the importance of discipline and integrity in shaping Ghana’s future saying Integrity means honesty. Let your words be your own and always be sincere in your actions.

The Member of Parliament for Tamale South constituency further told the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) graduates “Your success is not just about academics but also about your character.”

Mr Iddrisu reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to enhancing education through digital transformation.

“We will provide more laptops and innovative apps and enhance digital learning opportunities. The future is digital, and we must equip our students accordingly,” the Minister of Education said.

Commenting on the event that celebrated students with disabilities who performed excellently in the BECE, Mr Haruna said “We are particularly happy that this award ceremony is inclusive, recognising visually impaired and hearing-impaired students.”

“Your determination is commendable,” Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu remarked and commended teachers and parents for their unwavering support in nurturing the talents of students.

The meeting was a prelude to the 68th Independence Day Awards ceremony, which honours exceptional students for their academic accomplishments.

A total of 52 exceptional students from public and private schools across the country who paid a courtesy call on the  Director General of Education Prof Davis and the Honourable Minister of Education Mr Haruna Iddrisu were at the annual event aims to recognize and reward academic excellence among Ghanaian students

The awardees, comprising 36 students from public schools and 16 from private schools, were selected based on their outstanding performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for School Candidates

In a Ghana Education Service social media post sighted by Pretertiary.com, it said two hearing-impaired and two visually-impaired students were among the recipients, demonstrating Ghana’s commitment to inclusive education.

A special recognition was given to the long-standing partnership between the Ministry of Education and Nestlé Ghana, which has supported the initiative for more than 33 years.

Mr Georgios Badaro, Managing Director of Nestle Ghana Limited, and Mrs Deborah Kwablah, Corporate Affairs Manager, were in attendance on behalf of Nestle, the proud sponsors of the Presidential Awards, reaffirming their commitment to supporting education in Ghana.

The Presidential Awards ceremony will take place on March 5th, where the awardees will receive their well-deserved recognition by the President of the Republic of Ghana.