Ghana’s Catholic Bishops call for urgent education reforms

Catholic leaders in Ghana have called for urgent reforms in the country’s education system, urging the government to finalize a long-awaited partnership agreement with mission schools and take concrete steps to improve technical and vocational education.

The call was made at the Second National Catholic Education Forum, held from March 10-15, 2025, at the St. Bakhita Catholic Church in Koforidua, under the theme “Catholic Education for Integral Development: Shaping a Resilient and Inclusive Ghana.”

In a communiqué issued at the end of the forum, signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani and President of Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), the bishops detailed the need for a stronger partnership between the government and faith-based institutions in managing schools, a relationship that dates back to 1852.

“The Catholic Church acknowledges that education is an onerous task that requires collective effort; a proper partnership, with well-defined roles, will ensure effective education delivery in the country,” the statement read.

Ghana’s Catholic Church, which runs over 5,453 basic schools, 82 senior high schools, 41 TVET institutions, and 13 colleges of education, is the second-largest provider of education after the government. However, concerns were raised over inadequate moral and religious formation, the rise of examination malpractices, and insufficient attention to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The bishops urged the government to reverse resource allocation imbalances in the education sector and commit to establishing at least one TVET center of excellence per region. “New technologies such as robotics, e-mobility, and green energy should be incorporated into TVET curricula,” they proposed.

A key focus of the forum was inclusivity, particularly for students with special needs. The bishops called for a national education policy that better accommodates differently-abled learners, urging the government to invest in specialized infrastructure, teacher training, and continuous professional development.

“There should be a more inclusive national education policy which gives better attention to learners with special needs,” the communiqué stated.

The forum also addressed ongoing challenges with Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has faced criticism over the double-track system and resource constraints. The bishops recommended a phased-out transition within two years to address these issues.

Additionally, they urged the government to:

• Set a minimum admission quota of 20% for Catholic students in Catholic mission schools.
• Reinstate the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to allow parental involvement in school affairs.
• Introduce a cut-off point for SHS admissions while providing short-term skills training for students who do not qualify.

On academic integrity, the bishops condemned widespread examination malpractice and called for stricter enforcement of deterrent measures to curb cheating in schools.

Central to the discussions was the delayed signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government and mission schools. The Pre-Tertiary Education Act (2020) mandates that “faith-based schools shall enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Education Service for effective and efficient management.” However, this agreement remains unsigned.

The bishops urged the government to finalize the deal before the 2025/2026 academic year, warning that continued delays could affect the quality of education delivery.

To guide reforms, the bishops announced the development of:

• A five-year strategic framework for Catholic education, to be completed by July 2025.
• A policy recommendation document for the government, due by March 20, 2025.

The forum ended with a call for political leaders of high moral integrity who can uphold honesty, transparency, and accountability in public service. “The desire for a resilient and inclusive Ghana must be built on truth, justice, and love,” the bishops emphasized.

As the country grapples with ongoing education challenges, the Catholic Church’s stance reflects a broader concern for quality, access, and ethical governance in Ghana’s education system. Whether these calls for reform will be acted upon remains to be seen.