A graphic circulating online attributes a call to President John Dramani Mahama to ban church services in school classrooms to Rev. Isaac Obofour, arguing that worship activities can damage desks and chairs intended for pupils. Ghana Media has not independently verified the exact quotation or located the original recording in which the statement was allegedly made.
The issue, however, touches on a longstanding debate in Ghana over the use of public school facilities for religious activities, particularly where classroom furniture, school infrastructure and the preparation of learning spaces are concerned. Any claim about Rev. Obofour’s specific remarks should be treated cautiously until a credible source confirms the attribution.
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Concerns about churches using classrooms are not new. In February 2023, the Accra mayor called on churches occupying unfinished public school buildings for worship to stop the practice or face possible legal action. Earlier, education authorities in Sekondi-Takoradi also raised concerns about damage to school property and disruptions to academic activities linked to religious services in classrooms.
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At the centre of the debate is the responsibility to protect public property while ensuring that school facilities remain available for their primary purpose: teaching and learning. Moving desks, chairs and other classroom materials repeatedly can create maintenance challenges, especially in schools already facing shortages of furniture and infrastructure.
At the same time, any policy response must consider existing regulations, the responsibilities of school authorities and the rights of religious groups. Clear permission procedures, agreements on facility use and accountability for any damage could help prevent disputes where temporary use of school premises is permitted.
President Mahama has highlighted the need to improve school infrastructure and provide more desks and chairs. Protecting existing furniture is therefore an important part of the wider effort to improve learning conditions. The debate should focus on evidence, fair enforcement and the best interests of pupils rather than unverified quotations circulating online.
Ghana Media will update this report if the original recording or a reliable source confirming the statement attributed to Rev. Obofour becomes available. Read more on GhanaMedia.net. For more coverage, visit Ghana News, Ghana News Live, and Top Stories.
