The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has raised alarm over allegations of sexual abuse of minors by adults entrusted with their care in schools, including Catholic mission institutions.
The bishops described the issues as heartbreaking and called on the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, school authorities and the police to investigate the reported cases and ensure that the law takes its course.
In a communiqué issued after their annual plenary assembly in Jamasi in the Ashanti Region, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, the Conference said the reported incidents formed part of a wider pattern of indiscipline confronting some educational institutions in the country.
“Of immense concern too is the growing indiscipline in some educational institutions, including even some of our own mission schools,” the Bishops said.
They identified violence, disrespect for authority, examination malpractice and vandalism among the troubling developments undermining discipline in schools.
But, the Conference singled out allegations of sexual abuse of minors as particularly disturbing.
“Above all it is heart-breaking to note allegations of the sexual abuse of some of our minors in schools by some adults under whose care they have been placed,” the communiqué stated.
The bishops warned that such practices undermined the formative purpose of education and the moral foundations of society.
They consequently called for dispassionate investigations into the allegations, stressing that those found culpable should face the full consequences of the law.
“We call upon the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, school authorities and the relevant departments of the Police to investigate these allegations dispassionately and let the law take its course,” they stated.
The intervention places renewed attention on the responsibility of educational institutions to protect children, particularly those placed under the supervision and authority of teachers and other school personnel.
The Conference also called for stronger measures to restore discipline, character formation and moral education in schools.
It said education should not be limited to producing academically competent individuals but should also develop responsible citizens with strong moral values.
“Education must produce not merely academically competent individuals but responsible and morally grounded citizens,” the Bishops emphasised.
The Conference further advocated a renewed partnership between government and religious missions in the management of mission schools.
It said such cooperation should be founded on mutual respect, clearly defined responsibilities and fidelity to the founding ethos of the institutions.
The call comes against the background of continuing public discussions about discipline, accountability and the management of faith-based educational institutions in Ghana.
The Bishops’ concerns also extend to the wider social and moral environment confronting young people, including drug trafficking and substance abuse.
They warned that substance abuse posed a threat to youth development, family stability, public health and national security, urging schools and religious institutions to strengthen preventive education.
The 2026 plenary assembly was held from November 3 to 14 at the Divine Providence Pastoral Centre in Jamasi under the theme, “Communion, Participation and Mission: Preparing the Catholic Church in Ghana for Her 150th Anniversary in 2030.”
The communiqué was signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
By Benjamin Aidoo
