Wesley Girls’ Senior High School (SHS) has been taken to court over claims that it has denied Muslim students the right to practise their religion, sparking renewed discussions about religious freedoms in Ghana’s public schools.

The lawsuit, filed by Ghanaian citizen Shafic Osman, alleges that the prestigious Cape Coast school has systematically suppressed Muslim students by prohibiting them from observing Islamic practices.

The plaintiff is seeking several court declarations, including a ruling that the school’s policy, which allegedly prevents the belief, practice, and observance of Islam, is unconstitutional.

“A declaration that the 1st defendant’s policy compelling and requiring the practice of a compulsory school religion in a public school is contrary to and inconsistent with Articles 21(1)(b)(c) and Article 26,” the suit states.

Mr Osman further contends that the school’s actions violate the welfare of Muslim students and contravene international human rights protections for children.

“A declaration that the limitations on Muslim students in 1st defendant school undermine the welfare of Muslim students under international human rights of the child cognisable under Article 33(5) of the Constitution of Ghana, 1992,” the filing argues.

The plaintiff is also seeking an order directing the Ghana Education Service (GES) to develop constitutionally compliant guidelines for regulating religious practices and observances in all public schools across the country.