The True Story Of The Catholic Church's Exclusion From The Ges Council -Correcting The Misinformation

I have seen the video of Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, in which he raised germane and legitimate concerns about the loss of a seat on the Ghana Education Service Council. Indeed, the Catholic Mission has played and continues to play a critical role in education in Ghana. Pre-colonial and post-colonial education is dominated by the Catholic Mission, and the traces of that are still crystal clear.

Some of the most revered institutions in my region, the Upper West Region, are Catholic institutions. At least, I can mention St. Francis of Assisi Girls' Senior High School, St. Francis Minor Seminary, Nandom Senior High School, Queen of Peace Senior High School, McCoy College of Education and many others. These institutions, aside from the numerous basic schools, play an indispensable role in shaping the future of our younger generation. Based on this, the Catholic Mission is undoubtedly a major stakeholder that should be part of decision-making regarding education in Ghana. We must listen to the concerns and do something urgent about them.

The video, which is a serious discussion, is unfortunately being used by some people for political point-scoring without regard for the relevance of the matter and the call on the Ministry of Education to listen to the germane concerns. Those sharing the video to advance this needless partisan interest create the impression that the current government led by John Dramani Mahama has just taken a decision to sideline the Catholic Church. That is certainly incorrect and, from an unofficial position, I wish to correct it by putting out the facts.

Between 2020 and 2022, the Education Act was revised. Act 1049 changed the composition of the Ghana Education Service Council. Indeed, the old law, before the revision/amendment, had specific slots for the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana. In May 2022, a new GES Council was inaugurated without representation from the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana for the first time. As a result, the Catholic Bishops and the Christian Council issued a joint communiqué on 25th May, 2022, protesting their exclusion from the Council. Despite these calls, the government could not resolve the issue.

Again, in 2025, the Bishops raised the matter, criticising the composition of the Council and their exclusion even though they play a significant role in education. The most recent comment on the matter by the Bishops was made in August 2026. In fact, that is the video being shared. The Bishop, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, was raising the issue before Parliament's Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs Committee.

It is also important to add that Catholics were not removed from managing their own schools. Indeed, the Partnership Agreement of 1999 and the Memorandum of Understanding still exist and are in force. What has changed is that the Catholic Bishops and the Christian Council no longer have a statutory seat on the Council where national education policy decisions are made.

From the facts, it is clear that it is not the NDC government under John Dramani Mahama that has removed the Catholic Mission from the Council. The impression being created by some NPP elements is misleading and the records must be stated forcefully. It was under the NPP government that the changes occurred and the Bishops have since been complaining.

I hope this helps.
Denis Andaban
The Village Boy From DBI