Government‘s legal framework for a proposed Policy on Religion is underpinned by Article 21(1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and states that –‘ all persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice’.

Although Ghana continues to enjoy this right, it has become imperative to have a mutual understanding and working together to continue to enjoy a peaceful coexistence on the religious front. It is against this backdrop that the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs with partnership from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is holding Regional Stakeholders Consultation on a proposed government policy, designed to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens regardless of their beliefs or non-beliefs.

This statement was contained in the Sector Minister, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng’s, address to participants at the Regional Stakeholders Consultation on a proposed National Policy on Religion on Wednesday, 22^nd November 2023 at Ho, Volta Region. The series of consultation is simultaneously being held in all sixteen regional capitals across the country.

A speech read on behalf of the UNFPA’s Country Director, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, indicates that, there are a lot of vulnerable people who need support and they look up to religious bodies for that support. It is for this reason that they think the Ministry’s move to engage stakeholders on a proposed Policy on Religion is welcoming as it will empower the vulnerable while encouraging a peaceful coexistence among all persons with diverse beliefs.

He believes that Religious Bodies have great influence on their followers hence the need to support them in self -regulation to ensure they mobilize and shape the younger generation in the right way to minimize certain social vices like abuse and child marriages in some parts of the country.

Source: Public Affairs and Communication Unit, MCRA