The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has voiced a profound and urgent appeal to the government of Ghana, emphasizing the need to reinstate the collaborative spirit and mutual respect that once characterized the administration of mission schools in the country. They warn that the long-standing partnership between the Church and the state, instrumental in shaping Ghana’s educational landscape, is being systematically dismantled, threatening the very foundation upon which these institutions were built. This appeal underscores a growing concern within the Church regarding the increasing marginalization of its role in the management of these schools, a role that has historically been crucial to their identity and ethos.
At the heart of the Conference’s concern is the perceived erosion of the Church’s influence in mission schools, particularly those established and nurtured by the Catholic Church. These schools, originally founded on principles of faith, discipline, and strong moral values, are increasingly treated as solely state-owned entities, with local authorities often overlooking the contributions and historical significance of the founding religious institutions. This shift in management, the Conference argues, poses a significant threat to the very essence of these schools, which have played a pivotal role in molding responsible citizens imbued with a strong moral compass, contributing significantly to national development. The Bishops emphasize that this weakening of the partnership jeopardizes the delivery of values-based education, a cornerstone of Ghana’s educational system and a major factor in the nation’s progress.
Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, articulated these anxieties at the 25th anniversary celebration of Our Lady of Mercy (OLAM) Senior High School in Tema. He expressed deep concern over what he characterized as a deliberate and ongoing erosion of the Church’s role in education. He highlighted the increasing tendency to treat mission schools as fully government institutions, effectively sidelining the Church, which has historically been responsible for their establishment, maintenance, and the unique moral vision that underpins their educational philosophy. This vision, centered on the development of well-rounded individuals equipped with a solid moral foundation, has been a hallmark of mission schools and a key contributor to their success.
Bishop Louis further underscored the potential consequences of this erosion, warning that the quality of values-based education, a critical component of Ghana’s development, is at risk. He urged the government to recognize and respect the Catholic Church’s foundational role in these schools, advocating for the preservation of its involvement in their administration. He also highlighted a particularly concerning trend: the denial of admission to Catholic students in Catholic schools. This practice, he argued, contradicts the very purpose for which these institutions were founded, which was to provide a nurturing environment for the spiritual and academic growth of Catholic youth and other students seeking a values-driven education. This practice not only undermines the original mission of these schools but also raises concerns about equitable access to education.
Echoing the Bishop’s concerns, Mr. Peter Obeng Tweneboah, Headmaster of OLAM SHS, articulated a series of challenges currently facing the school, including significant infrastructural deficits and administrative difficulties. He appealed for immediate government intervention, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure that OLAM SHS can continue to deliver the quality education for which it is known. These practical challenges further highlight the importance of a strong partnership between the Church and the state in maintaining the high standards of mission schools. Without adequate resources and effective management, these institutions risk failing to meet the educational needs of their students.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference’s call for a renewed commitment to the original framework of mission school management – a model built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a unified vision for national development through education – represents a critical juncture in the ongoing dialogue concerning the future of education in Ghana. The Conference emphasizes the need to restore the balance between state oversight and the Church’s historical role, arguing that the unique identity and effectiveness of Catholic education in Ghana are at stake. Without a concerted effort to re-establish this vital partnership, the Conference fears that the distinctive ethos of these schools, which has contributed significantly to the nation’s development, may be irrevocably lost. The future of mission schools, and by extension, the future of values-based education in Ghana, hinges on the government’s willingness to address these concerns and reaffirm its commitment to the collaborative spirit that once defined this crucial educational partnership.
