The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) have voiced strong dissatisfaction over their exclusion from the upcoming National Education Forum set for February 18 and 19, 2025.

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In a joint statement released on Monday, February 17, the two religious organizations criticized the government’s decision to leave them out of a crucial dialogue on education, despite their historical contributions to Ghana’s academic landscape.

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“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. The religious bodies described this omission as perplexing, considering their long-standing role in providing quality education.

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With an extensive network of mission schools across the country, the GCBC and CCG argued that excluding them from the discussions undermines the spirit of collaboration needed for effective and inclusive education policies.

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

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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.

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They further cautioned that sidelining key players in the sector could result in policies that fail to align with the needs and values of the Ghanaian people.

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“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.

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The GCBC and CCG urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider its decision and ensure that all relevant voices are included in shaping the future of education.

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“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.”

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Reaffirming their dedication to Ghana’s education sector, they stressed that meaningful reform can only be achieved through genuine consultation and cooperation.

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

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The statement concluded with an assurance of their readiness to engage constructively with the government and other stakeholders to uphold high-quality and value-driven education.

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

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