The Ghana Catholic Bishop Conference ( GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana( CCG) have expressed disappointment for not being invited to the National Education Forum scheduled to take place in Ho in the Volta region.
In a Joint press statement, the two Christian bodies said their exclusion from the National discourse on education undermines collaborative efforts essential to the success of any educational policy or reform.
“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 we have consistently worked to ensure that our educational institutions serve the needs of every Ghanaian child, irrespective of their background or beliefs.”
They called on the government, through the Ministry of Education to reconsider the exclusion and extend an invitation to them and other relevant bodies to ensure the forum reflects a truly inclusive dialogue on the future of education in the country.
“Our exclusion from this vital forum undermines the collaborative spirit that is essential to the success of any educational policy or reform. 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 added.
Also, it said “e 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.”
The GCBC and the CCG believe it is only through genuine consultation and partnership that the holistic educational reform that Ghana so desperately needs be achieved.
“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.”
By Yvonne Neequaye