The Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, has called for greater emphasis on Religious, Moral, Ethical, and Civic Education in the country’s schools to produce responsible and productive citizens.
He made this call while addressing the National Education Forum in Ho on February 19, 2025, where he warned against an education system that prioritizes technical knowledge over moral formation.
“The upsurge in social vices and corrupt practices in the country is a great source of worry to the Church. Thus, the Church wishes to emphasize Religious, Moral, Ethical, and Civic education that will lead to the production of responsible and productive citizens, not just knowledgeable and skillful individuals who will be social misfits,” he stated.
Bishop Fianu stressed that education should not be limited to academic achievements but must also instill values such as integrity, discipline, and civic responsibility. He cautioned that neglecting these aspects of education could contribute to rising cases of corruption, dishonesty, and indiscipline in the country.
The National Education Forum, themed “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” brought together education policymakers, religious leaders, and key stakeholders to discuss reforms in Ghana’s education sector.
The Catholic Church, which has been a major partner in Ghana’s educational system for decades, has consistently advocated for an approach that balances intellectual growth with moral and ethical development.
Bishop Fianu urged the Ministry of Education to strengthen value-based education in the curriculum, emphasizing that Ghana’s long-term development depends on raising citizens who are not only skilled but also guided by strong moral principles.
