The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) have expressed their deep concern and disappointment over their exclusion from the upcoming National Education Forum scheduled for February 18 and 19, 2025.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, February 17, the two prominent religious bodies criticized the government’s decision to leave them out of a critical national dialogue on education, despite their significant role in shaping Ghana’s educational landscape.

“While the list of invited national-level stakeholders includes some organisations associated with our two institutions, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council as such were excluded from it,” the statement noted, calling the omission perplexing given their historical contributions to quality education in Ghana.

The GCBC and CCG, which have been at the forefront of education through their network of mission schools, argued that their exclusion undermines the collaborative spirit necessary for shaping effective and inclusive educational policies.

“Our exclusion from this vital forum undermines the collaborative spirit that is essential to the success of any educational policy or reform,” they stated.

Stressing the need for an all-encompassing dialogue, the religious leaders warned that sidelining key players in education could result in policies that do not reflect the values and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.

“The national discourse on education requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including religious bodies, educators, and parents, whose input can guide the formation of policies that align with the values, traditions, and aspirations of the people of Ghana,” the statement continued.

The GCBC and CCG called on the government, particularly the Ministry of Education, to reconsider its decision and ensure that all relevant bodies are part of the discussions.

“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.”

Reiterating their commitment to Ghana’s education sector, the religious bodies stressed that achieving meaningful reform requires genuine consultation and partnership.

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

They assured their readiness to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s education system remains high-quality, inclusive, and aligned with the moral and spiritual values of the country.

“We stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue for the betterment of education in Ghana,” the statement concluded.

The press release was signed by Most Rev. Matthew K. Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard Dela Dogbe, Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana.

As of now, the Ministry of Education has yet to respond to the concerns raised by the GCBC and CCG, but the call for inclusion adds to the broader conversation about stakeholder participation in shaping Ghana’s educational policies.Source: Abubakar Ibrahim