Anglican Church of Ghana Backs Ban on Hijabs in Religious Schools

Anglican Church of Ghana Backs Ban on Hijabs in Religious Schools
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The Anglican Church of Ghana has announced its full support for the positions taken by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana regarding the dispute over hijab use at Wesley Girls’ High School.

According to a report by anglican.ink, the Church maintains that faith-based schools in Ghana have the constitutional authority to uphold their religious identity and implement internal regulations, including dress code policies.

The Church’s position was outlined in an official statement signed by the Metropolitan and Primate, Very Reverend Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, and conveyed to the Ghana News Agency in Accra. The statement affirms that denominational schools were founded on specific mission-driven values and that maintaining these principles is essential for their continued functioning.

The Anglican Church emphasized that adherence to internal rules ensures discipline, protects the schools’ denominational character, and supports a coherent educational environment. While acknowledging the need to respect national laws, the Church reiterated that religious institutions should be allowed to operate in line with their founding ethos.

The clash over hijab use at Wesley Girls’ High School has sparked national debate on religious freedoms, minority rights, and the autonomy of mission schools within Ghana’s public education system.