The Parent Teacher Association of the Wesley Girls’ Senior High School has expressed shock at what it says is the misinterpretation of the issues surrounding the school’s refusal to allow a Muslim student to fast during the Ramadan.

According to a statement, the school PTA stated that it is quite hypocritical that the impression is being created that the school is discriminating against the faith of one of its students when it is always made clear to all parents that such a rule applies to all students, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

“As parents whose wards are in Wesley Girls and who represent different faiths and beliefs, we all signed the School's undertaking which we received during orientation. The undertaking was clear, among other things about the fact that the School is a Methodist School and that students will have to abide by the School's rules and policies. Importantly the school's no fasting rule is non-discriminatory, affecting students of all faiths in the School,” it said.

Further, the statement stated that while “the parents of the student after the explanation given by the Headmistress left amicably, and with clarity on the school’s reasons for not allowing fasting,” even as “the student in question also indicated she liked the School and chose to remain in the School.”

The PTA has therefore assured the school administration of its utmost support in its stance, stating that they are aware it is based on the right reasons, towards the safeguarding of the health of their wards.

“As major stakeholders in the education of our daughters, we are satisfied that the School's no fasting policy which is based on health reasons is in the best interest of our daughters. We have been informed about past experiences of students who nearly died under such circumstances. We are therefore uncomfortable with any directive that could compromise the health of our daughters whom we have entrusted to the School,” it said.

Also, they have served notice to the general public and the Ghana Education Service to allow the school to operate its rules as it deems fit, without any coercion as it is all being done in the best interest of the students, and not based on discrimination.

“The School should not be forced to compromise its rules and regulations to accommodate students’ individual preferences which border on religion. This is unsustainable.

“We urge the GES to reconsider its directive to the School and all other schools in order to avoid a situation where schools will be inundated with requests by parents and students on their individual religious preferences and practices,” the statement read.

Read the full text of the statement below:

ACCRA, May 5, 2021

STATEMENT BY THE PTA OF WESLEY GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL, CAPE COAST

The PTA of Wesley Girls' High School, has read with much concern the issues surrounding a Muslim Student on fasting during Ramadan. Even more worrying for us is the misrepresentation of the issue by sections of the media leading to this matter being looked at from a religious perspective instead of a health perspective. From our understanding the parents of the student after the explanation given by the Headmistress left amicably, and with clarity on the school’s reasons for not allowing fasting. The student in question also indicated she liked the School and chose to remain in the School.

As parents whose wards are in Wesley Girls and who represent different faiths and beliefs, we all signed the School's undertaking which we received during orientation. The undertaking was clear, among other things about the fact that the School is a Methodist School and that students will have to abide by the School's rules and policies. Importantly the school's no fasting rule is non-discriminatory, affecting students of all faiths in the School.

As major stakeholders in the education of our daughters, we are satisfied that the School's no fasting policy which is based on health reasons is in the best interest of our daughters. We have been informed about past experiences of students who nearly died under such circumstances. We are therefore uncomfortable with any directive that could compromise the health of our daughters whom we have entrusted to the School. From our feedback and observation, the School strictly enforces its policies without discrimination. The School's rules on rising hours, daily housework, classes, dining hall, PE and other school activities including fasting are compulsory for all students.

The results are evident for all to see: Wesley Girls remains the most sought after School in Ghana and continues to churn out well-groomed young women who make impact wherever they go. The transformation of our children even after a single semester in the School is a testament to the School's commitment to its mission of grooming young women not only academically, but in terms of their attitudes. Our daughters in the School testify to the high standards of discipline due to the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the School. At the last orientation for parents of Form 1 organized by the School, there was a session on Good Parenting by a Lecturer from the University of Cape Coast: This is just one example of the extent to which Wesley Girls goes to ensure that parents and the school work hand in hand to ensure a holistic education for our daughters.

The School should not be forced to compromise its rules and regulations to accommodate students’ individual preferences which border on religion. This is unsustainable.

We urge the GES to reconsider its directive to the School and all other schools in order to avoid a situation where schools will be inundated with requests by parents and students on their individual religious preferences and practices.

The PTA will continue to support the School as they nurture our daughters in an environment of discipline, non-discrimination and the highest standards of excellence, making Ghana proud each year.

Signed

PTA Executives
(On behalf of PTA of Wesley Girls' High School)