The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference is calling for the implementation of a policy that would reserve 20 per cent of admissions in Catholic mission schools for Catholic students.
The Conference says the decision is not a new proposal, explaining that it was adopted at the National Catholic Education Forum held in Koforidua in 2025.
According to the Bishops, the arrangement is intended to ensure that Catholic mission schools continue to have a meaningful number of Catholic students.
They believe this will help the schools preserve their religious identity and strengthen the role of faith-based education, particularly in the religious and moral formation of students.
The Bishops, however, say the proposed admission quota must be managed openly and fairly. They want the process to be handled through the appropriate Boards of Governors and diocesan education offices.
They have also called for annual audits of the arrangement and stressed that no money should be exchanged in connection with the reserved places.
To begin the process, the Bishops have directed the education office of the National Catholic Secretariat to develop a plan for implementing the 20 per cent reservation across Catholic mission schools.
The Conference is also urging the government and Churches to conclude negotiations on the long-awaited agreement governing the management of mission schools.
The Bishops say the agreement should clearly set out the responsibilities of government and the Churches in areas such as admissions, school governance, appointment of head teachers, religious and moral formation, discipline, infrastructure and accountability.
They also want the agreement to protect the unique identity and character of mission schools.
Beyond admissions, the Catholic Bishops are calling for increased investment in education, including funding for schools, teachers, laboratories and learning materials.
They believe stronger investment will improve the quality of education and reduce pressure on the country’s most popular schools.
