Catholic education forum addressing challenges, advocating reforms open in Ghana 

The second National Catholic Education Forum, being held in Koforidua, Ghana, has opened an important dialogue on the future of education in the country.

The five-day forum, which runs from March 10 to 15, 2025, is themed, “Catholic Education for Integral Development: Shaping a Resilient and Inclusive Ghana.”

This gathering brings together a diverse group of stakeholders from the Church, government, and civil society to explore the educational challenges facing the nation and to propose solutions for a more inclusive and effective system.

A central message that emerged from the opening ceremony of the forum on Tuesday is the need to reform Ghana’s education system, particularly in balancing the emphasis between traditional academic routes and technical, vocational, and science-focused education.

Managing Director of the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province Partnership in Action (TEPPIA) – an NGO and the development wing of the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province of the Church in Ghana,  Dr. Charles Abugre, in his keynote address, pointed out the widening gap between grammar schools and technical vocational institutions, calling for a comprehensive strategy to invest in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to better equip young people with the skills needed for a modern economy.

Dr. Abugre highlighted that mission schools have long been at the forefront of educational excellence in Ghana, but a lack of formal agreements between the state and these schools has hindered the effective partnership between them.

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For his part, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Excellency Julian Kabore, urged Catholic schools to maintain their focus on providing education to all, particularly the poor and underprivileged, staying true to Christ’s mission of evangelizing the marginalized. This commitment to serving the underprivileged resonates with the broader goals of the forum, which include enhancing the accessibility and quality of education across Ghana.

In his address, Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Kofi Davis , who attended the ceremony on behalf of the Minister of Education brought attention to the rise of indiscipline in schools and the challenges this poses to educational excellence. He encouraged the forum to explore new, non-violent methods of discipline that do not rely on corporal punishment but still foster respect and order in the school environment.

The second National Catholic Education Forum comes after a similar forum was held by the state recently. It focuses on both addressing existing challenges and fostering collaboration between various educational stakeholders.

The key themes of inclusivity, innovation in education, and the vital role of mission schools in shaping the future of the country’s educational landscape are expected to be at the heart of the discussions.

Addressing the gathering, the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey assured stakeholders that the John Dramani Mahama led government is committed to addressing the challenges in the current educational system.