The Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Mission (GMM), Sheikh Dr. Amin Bonsu, has urged mission schools across Ghana to respect Muslim students’ religious rights and allow them to practise their faith without coercion or discrimination.
He expressed concern over alleged restrictions on the wearing of hijab and the observance of Islamic prayers in some mission schools, citing an incident at the Presbyterian Nursing and Midwifery Training School in Dormaa, Bono Region, where Muslim students were reportedly denied access to a designated prayer space.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Bono Regional Branch of the Ghana Muslim Mission in Sunyani, Sheikh Dr. Bonsu stressed that religious freedom must remain a priority alongside efforts to promote education, healthcare and community development.
The meeting, held under the theme “Strengthening Unity, Good Governance and Sustainable Development of the Muslim Ummah in Bono Region,” brought together Muslim leaders, regional executives and other stakeholders to discuss the community’s development priorities.
A key highlight was the presentation of the Mission’s 10-year strategic development vision, which aims to establish quality senior high schools and healthcare facilities across all 16 regions of Ghana by 2036/2037.
Sheikh Dr. Bonsu called on Muslims to unite, mobilise resources and support initiatives that would improve their communities and contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
He also urged religious leaders, school authorities and parents to protect Ghana’s tradition of peaceful coexistence, emphasising that allowing students to practise their faith freely promotes mutual respect and understanding.
“If you come to my hometown, come and see the way we live together. The way Ghanaians live together as Christians and Muslims is something very, very remarkable,” he said.
He commended Christian communities and mission schools that respect Muslim students’ religious practices, urging other institutions to follow their example.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mussah Abdullahi, Head of the Materials Engineering Department at Sunyani Technical University, urged Muslim leaders to turn the Mission’s development vision into practical results through stronger collaboration, commitment and resource mobilisation.
The meeting forms part of the Ghana Muslim Mission’s broader efforts to strengthen unity, advance sustainable development and preserve Ghana’s tradition of religious tolerance.
