Wesley Girls' SHS 'No Fasting' policy, strictly for health reasons

The Wesley Girls' High School Old Girls' Association (WGHS OGA) says the school's "No Fasting” policy was purposely for health reasons but not to discriminate against other faiths.

The Association said the policy was borne out of past experiences where some girls fasting for various reasons, put their lives at risk and almost died which traumatized their fellow students as well as the school administration.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ms. Effie Simpson, National President of the Association, and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday in Accra.

The Association in the statement declared it unwavering support to the position adopted by the Methodist Church of Ghana on the recent press release issued by the Ghana Education Service concerning fasting by students of the school, adding that the School's “no fasting” rules applied to all students no matter their religious persuasion.

It added that over the years, the school had opened its doors to students of different faiths including Muslims without any issues.

The WGHS OGA emphasized its commitment to upholding the time tested traditions of the school that aimed at maintaining high academic standards and discipline.

“The OGA will continue to support the Headmistress, the Board and all authorities of the School to enforce rules and regulations that seek to serve the purpose of instilling discipline and supporting the holistic upbringing of students,” it said.

The Association in the Statement said as a key stakeholder of the school, it would not relent in its efforts to ensure that the School's values were sustained at all times.

It stated that the current rules, regulations and policies of the School had successfully guaranteed the excellent academic standards that had resulted in producing high-quality individuals and citizens occupying various key positions in the country and the world.

The statement said it would object to any attempts to create disaffection for the School and any acts that could result in compromising adherence to rules, policies and practices that have contributed towards shaping the high calibre of its products for the past 186 years in existence.

It called on all its members: young, old and ancient to lift high the motto of the school to "Live Pure, Speak True, Right Wrong, Follow the King."

---GNA