The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC) has intensified efforts to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in educational institutions through a public outreach programme to deepen understanding of religious tolerance in schools.
The programme, organised in collaboration with Garden City Television and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), was held under the theme, “Hybrid Peacebuilding: Memorandum of Understanding to Guide Religious Tolerance in Schools.”
Speaking during the radio and television engagement, the Regional Executive Secretary of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council, Rev. Dr Emmanuel Badu Amoah, emphasised the importance of fostering inclusive and discrimination-free learning environments where students from diverse religious backgrounds can coexist peacefully.
According to him, the Memorandum of Understanding between the institutions was developed through the facilitation of the National Peace Council to provide clear guidelines for managing religious diversity in schools while promoting national unity, peace, and social cohesion.
Rev. Dr Badu Amoah explained that the MoU seeks to strike a balance between the constitutional right to religious freedom and the need for students to comply with school rules, regulations, and institutional values.
He noted that schools play an important role in shaping the attitudes and values of young people and, therefore, must cultivate environments that encourage mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance among students of different faiths.
“The objective is to ensure that every student feels respected and included, regardless of their religious background, while maintaining the standards and regulations that guide educational institutions,” he indicated.
The Chairman of the Zongo Local Peace Committee, Sheikh Ridwan Mama Dankonya, noted the need for stakeholders to view religious diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.
He called on school authorities, parents, students, and religious leaders to work together to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence within educational institutions nationwide.
The outreach programme highlighted key provisions contained in the MoU, including respect for school rules and prescribed uniforms, guidance on fasting practices and communication with parents, orientation on school regulations, and the provision of worship spaces where practicable.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
