MoU on religious tolerance will strengthen inclusivity in education – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak has said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on religious tolerance will help strengthen inclusivity and respect in Ghana’s educational institutions.

In his remarks at the launch of the MoU to Guide Religious Tolerance in Government-Assisted and Private Schools in Ghana at the Mensvic Hotel in Accra, Dr. Apaak explained that the MoU on religious tolerance offers practical tools to prevent discrimination and ensure equality in schools.

He pointed out that Ghana’s education system has long benefited from mission schools, which have combined academic excellence with moral and ethical formation. However, he noted that recent incidents of religious conflict in some schools made it urgent to adopt a unified approach.

“The MoU is a call to action for us all. It is about creating an environment where children of different faiths can learn together in mutual respect. It is also about ensuring that no student feels disadvantaged or excluded because of their religious identity,” Dr. Apaak said.

The Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to the National Peace Council and the religious missions for spearheading the initiative. He assured that the Ministry of Education is committed to rolling out awareness campaigns and training sessions to make the provisions of the MoU widely known and respected.

Dr. Apaak further stressed that inclusivity in schools is not only an educational concern but also a matter of national security and unity. He said education must continue to serve as a unifying force that prepares children to become empathetic and tolerant citizens.

Dr. Apaak added that the Ministry of Education will work closely with stakeholders, including the Ghana Education Service, the National Peace Council, and mission authorities, to roll out awareness programmes so that the MoU’s provisions are well understood.

He urged parents, communities, and students themselves to support the initiative, describing it as a collective responsibility to protect harmony in education.