Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, an Auxiliary Bishop of Accra has called on political leaders and other stakeholders to review the nation’s educational policies to include religious morality.
“The Government and its agencies should collaborate with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, other religious bodies, traditional leaders, associations of teachers, etc. so that national policies, administrative procedures, etc. are reviewed to ensure that learners always benefit from a quality of education which is truly holistic and nation-building in nature,” he stressed.
He made this call at the ninetieth (90th) anniversary lecture of the St. Augustine Past Students Union (APSU) held recently at the Christ the King Parish Hall in Accra on the theme: The Catholic Church’s Position on Enhancement of Quality Education in Ghana.
Bishop Louis said that education is the foundation of society and the stability of a society hinges on quality education. He noted however that in recent times, the quality of Ghana’s education has been compromised by political leaders.
“Unfortunately, in recent decades, Ghana, thanks to its political leaders has toyed with the quality of her education,” he reiterated.
He said the human consists of a body and soul and both must be satisfied. This, he said, is why the Church establishes her own schools to provide holistic education that covers aspects of the physical and spiritual dimensions of the person.
“Catholic education, which is more holistic, includes the moral and spiritual dimensions of human development,” he explained.
Bishop Louis stressed the need for integration of religious morality in education, stating that Catholic education has its roots in the great commission of Jesus Christ, “Go therefore make disciples of all the nations…and teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you”.
He emphasised that the country’s definition of quality education is deficient, affecting national educational policies and administration.
“Whoever promotes an agenda that is contrary to the Christ-rooted and centuries-tested Catholic education not only denies the current learners of integral development but destroys the very moral foundation of society for generations to come,” he said
Bishop Louis urged the government to allow the Church to train and appoint staff and management for her schools and priority for admissions given to her members.
He further recommended that government agencies formally recognise alumini contributions to school development, and involve them in consultations that aim at enhancing the quality of education in Ghana.
Bishop Louis hinted that the GCBC will organise a National Catholic Education Forum in March 2025 with the proposals for government policy changes and the Church’s plan of action for enhancing quality education in Ghana.
