The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) are crying foul over their exclusion from the National Education Forum, scheduled to take place on February 18 and 19, 2025.
In a strongly-worded press statement, the two religious bodies expressed their disappointment and concern over the omission, which they believe undermines the collaborative spirit essential to the success of any educational policy or reform.
The GCBC and CCG, key stakeholders in the educational sector, have a long-standing commitment to the development and welfare of the educational system in Ghana.
They have consistently worked to ensure that their educational institutions serve the needs of every Ghanaian child, irrespective of their background or beliefs.
The exclusion of these two bodies from the forum has therefore come as a shock, and they are calling on the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Education, to reconsider their exclusion.
According to the GCBC and CCG, the national discourse on education requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including religious bodies, educators, and parents.
The input of these stakeholders is crucial in guiding the formation of policies that align with the values, traditions, and aspirations of the people of Ghana.
The absence of the GCBC and CCG at the forum is therefore a disservice to the broader educational community and to the ideals of inclusivity and shared responsibility in national development.
The GCBC and CCG are not just asking to be included in the forum; they are also emphasizing the importance of genuine consultation and partnership in achieving holistic educational reform.
They believe that only through the collaboration of all stakeholders can Ghana achieve an education system that is not only of high quality but also inclusive, equitable, and in line with the moral and spiritual well-being of society.
The press statement 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.
The two religious leaders are urging the government to reconsider their exclusion and extend an invitation to the GCBC, CCG, and other relevant bodies to ensure that the forum reflects a truly inclusive dialogue on the future of education in Ghana.
-BY Issah Olegor
