Catholic Church in Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Role in Schools

 The Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, one of the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Accra has reiterated the Church’s commitment to revitalizing its pivotal role in the nation’s mission schools.

He said this during the installation ceremony of Rev. Fr. Dr. George Obeng Appah as the new Headmaster of St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School in Cantonments, Accra on April 30, 2025.

Speaking on behalf of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp., Bishop Louis extended warm congratulations to Fr. Appah on his appointment, describing it as both a personal milestone and a significant development for Catholic education in Ghana.

“These institutions are founded on our faith, values, and a commitment to forming morally upright and intellectually capable citizens. The erosion of this partnership threatens the identity and mission of Catholic schools, as well as the quality and values-based education that has served our nation so well,” Bishop Louis remarked.

He expressed gratitude to God for Fr. Appah’s academic achievements and commended the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) for recognizing his capabilities.

Bishop Louis described St. Thomas Aquinas SHS as a distinguished institution in Accra’s educational landscape and a cornerstone in the history of Catholic education in Ghana.

However, he acknowledged that there is room for improvement.

“Dear Fr. Appah, we have no doubt that you can make St. Aquinas SHS a permanent top-ten institution and lay the foundation to make it the best SHS in the country within the next 10 years,” he stated.

Emphasizing the holistic nature of Catholic education, Bishop Louis noted that education must cater to both body and soul.

“With the support of the School Board, management, staff, parents, and student leadership, seek to inculcate in learners moral integrity, patriotism, and social responsibility,” he advised. “We pray that the Lord Jesus will inspire, guide, and strengthen you as you take on this vital leadership role.”

Touching on the Church-State collaboration, Bishop Louis highlighted the 170-year history of partnership between the Church and the government in managing mission schools in Ghana.

Recounting the Second National Catholic Education Forum, he lamented the gradual breakdown of this partnership in recent years.

“Some Ministers of Education, GES Directors, and local leaders now view mission schools as state-owned institutions, ignoring the founding churches’ rights, contributions, and responsibilities,” he said.

To address these concerns, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has presented a set of policy recommendations to the government following its recent National Forum on Education. Among the key proposals:

Formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): The Church calls for an MoU between the government and mission school owners by the 2025/2026 academic year, clearly outlining each party’s rights, roles, and obligations. This will preserve the schools’ Catholic identity and autonomy while supporting national educational goals.

Admission Quotas for Catholic Students: To safeguard the spiritual and moral formation of young Catholics, the Church proposes that at least 20% of admissions into Catholic Senior High, Technical, and Vocational schools be reserved for Catholic students starting from the 2025/2026 academic year.

Bishop Louis concluded by urging the GES, School Board, staff, students, parents, alumni, and all stakeholders to rally behind Fr. Appah’s leadership and the broader mission of Catholic education.

“The installation of Fr. Appah marks a new chapter for St. Thomas Aquinas SHS and reaffirms our Church’s dedication to educational excellence within a framework of faith and values,” he said.

By Theresa Kpordzo, DEPSOCOM Accra