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“We are perplexed”: Ghana’s Catholic Bishops, Christian Council Lament Exclusion from National Education Forum

Members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC). Credit: GCBC
Silas Isenjia

By Silas Isenjia

Accra, 19 February, 2025 / 9:09 pm (ACI Africa).

Members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) have jointly expressed their disappointment over their exclusion from the two-day National Education Forum that kicked off on Tuesday, February 18.

In a statement dated Monday, February 17, GCBC and CCG members say that their exclusion overlooks their significant role as key stakeholders in the education sector in the West African nation and violates the “collaborative spirit” that is vital if the education sector in the country has to undergo any significant reform and progress in policy.

“While the list of invited national-level stakeholders includes some of the organizations associated with our two institutions, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council as such were excluded from it,” they say.

GCBC and CCG members explain, “As key stakeholders in the educational sector, particularly in the provision of quality education through our schools, we are perplexed by the omission of our contributions to discussions that are pivotal to the future of education in Ghana.”

“Both the GCBC and CCG have a long-standing commitment to the development and welfare of the educational system, and we have consistently worked to ensure that our educational institutions serve the needs of every Ghanaian child, irrespective of their background or beliefs,” they say.

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In the two-page statement, the two Christian forum of leaders argue that their exclusion from the convention is unwarranted because the “national discourse on education” requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including faith-based representatives, educators, and parents.

The input of all stakeholders should guide “the formation of policies that align with the values, traditions, and aspirations of the people of Ghana,” the Christian leaders say.

They further lament, “We believe that the absence of the GCBC and CCG at this forum is a disservice to the broader educational community and the ideals of inclusivity and shared responsibility in national development.”

In the statement that the president of GCBC, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, and the Chairman of CCG, Rev. Dr. Hilliard Dela Dogbe, cosigned, the two forums of Christian leaders want the Ghanaian government to “reconsider this exclusion”.

“We call on the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Education, to reconsider this exclusion and extend an invitation to the GCBC, CCG, and other relevant bodies to ensure that this forum reflects a truly inclusive dialogue on the future of education in our country,” they say.

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The church leaders add, “It is our firm belief that only through genuine consultation and partnership can we achieve the holistic educational reform that Ghana so desperately needs.”

GCBC and CCG members express their commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders in ensuring that Ghana's education system is not only of high quality but also inclusive, equitable, and “in line with the moral and spiritual well-being of our society.”

“We stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue for the betterment of education in Ghana,” they say, and add, “We trust that our call for inclusion will be heard and that the principles of fairness and inclusivity will guide the ongoing development of education policy in our beloved country.”

Silas Isenjia

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.

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