The Ghana Muslim Students’ Association (GMSA) has expressed concern over Justice Hafisata Amaleboba’s comments during her recent vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee. The association cautions against interpretations of religious freedom that may lead to coercion in faith-based public schools.
In a statement signed by its National President, Tamim Mohammed Amin, GMSA began by acknowledging and congratulating Justice Amaleboba on her nomination to the Supreme Court of Ghana. The group praised her for her “distinguished service to the nation,” but took issue with a specific position she expressed during her vetting.
Justice Amaleboba reportedly suggested that students who voluntarily enrol in faith-based schools should comply with those institutions’ religious expectations, even when those practices may conflict with the student’s religious beliefs.
GMSA affirmed respect for her legal perspective but strongly rejected the notion that choosing a school automatically nullifies a student’s constitutional right to religious freedom.
“While we respect the jurisprudential argument that rights are not absolute, we must assert that the right to religious freedom as enshrined in Article 21(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution is fundamental, inalienable, and to be enjoyed without coercion or undue influence—especially in publicly funded institutions,” the statement read.
GMSA further argued that students in mission schools should not be compelled to participate in religious practices that contradict their beliefs, particularly when those schools are supported by public funds and regulated by the state.
“Faith-based schools that operate under public regulation and receive public funding remain bound by national laws and constitutional norms,” Amin emphasised. “The imposition of religious practices—such as compulsory church attendance—on non-Christian students infringes upon their freedom of conscience and religion.”
The association also called attention to what it described as a “false choice” that some students are forced to make between receiving quality education and practising their religion freely.
“No Ghanaian child should be forced—either directly or through institutional culture—to choose between accessing quality education and practicing their religion freely,” said Amin.
Quoting Article 12 of the Constitution, GMSA reminded stakeholders that the duty to uphold fundamental rights applies to the state and individuals, corporate bodies, and institutions.
“It is therefore insufficient to argue that a student has waived these rights merely by choosing a particular school, especially in regions where educational options may be limited,” the group stressed.
GMSA urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to issue clear and enforceable guidelines that reaffirm the secular and inclusive nature of public education in Ghana. It also called on faith-based schools to respect their students’ diverse religious backgrounds and ensure a learning environment that is both inclusive and constitutionally compliant.
The association concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue.
“We remain committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders to promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and constitutionalism in our educational institutions,” the statement concluded.
