A Deputy Government Communications Spokesperson,  Shamima Muslim, has urged Ghanaians to approach the ongoing national debate on religious practices in schools with calm, understanding and constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.

In a reflective message shared publicly, Shamima recounted her experience as a student at Holy Child School in 1995, where she was initially told that the school schedule would not permit her to observe Islamic prayers.

Despite this, she said she continued to pray, participated fully in compulsory Mass, and joined various school activities without incident.

Highlighting how much has changed since then, she noted that her cousin, Raahat Moonen, later became Holy Child School’s first-ever Muslim Head Girl — a milestone she described as evidence of growing inclusivity.

She added that the school now has a Muslim Teacher Patron who supports Muslim girls, who are allowed to pray and fast during Ramadan, even if full congregational prayers are not held five times a day.

Shamima expressed concern over what she described as the “worrying tone” of current public discussions on religious accommodation in schools.

She stressed that escalating tensions will serve no one and that dialogue should remain the primary approach in resolving such sensitive issues.

“We must all recognise that no one wins if we don’t allow cool heads to prevail in this matter and choose confrontation instead of dialogue,” she said, emphasising that national identity should supersede all other affiliations.

“We are first and foremost Ghanaians before anything else.”

She also commended Holy Child School and other institutions that have taken steps on their own to acknowledge and address the needs of all students, regardless of their religious background.

Shamima concluded by underscoring the importance of inclusive education, stating that ensuring every child feels seen and supported strengthens the nation as a whole.