In a statement issued on February 17, 2025, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) have expressed great concern and disappointment of the exclusion of the two bodies from an upcoming National Education Forum scheduled to take place on the 18th and 19th of February, 2025.
Signed by the Most Rev. Matthew K. Gyamfi President, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard Dela Dogbe Chairman, Christian Council of Ghana, the Statement said “While the list of invited national level stakeholders include some of the organisations associated with our two institutions, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council as such were excluded from it.”
According to the GCBC and CCG, “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 they have consistently worked to ensure that their educational institutions serve the needs of every Ghanaian child, irrespective of their background or beliefs.
“Our exclusion from this vital forum undermines the collaborative spirit that is essential to the success of any educational policy or reform,” the GCBC and CCG pointed out.
They noted that “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.”
They maintained that “We believe that the absence of the GCBC and CCG at this forum is a disservice to the broader educational community and to the ideals of inclusivity and shared responsibility in national development.”
They, therefore, called 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.
“It is our firm belief that only through genuine consultation and partnership can we achieve the holistic educational reform that Ghana so desperately needs,” the statement added
The two Religious Bodies assured that “The GCBC and CCG remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure 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.”
“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,” the added.
By Newswatchgh.com
