Ghana's Ministry of Education will amend the Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049), to restore appropriate representation for recognised faith-based organisations on the Ghana Education Service (GES) Council. This legislative action directly responds to concerns about the exclusion of these groups from the current council structure.
The announcement follows strong objections from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which highlighted its absence from the GES Council. Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apak, confirmed on Thursday, August 27, that the Ministry is actively considering these concerns. The Ministry acknowledges the vital role faith-based institutions play in developing Ghana’s educational system and believes their representation will help tackle increasing indiscipline in schools.
This move reflects a broader commitment to inclusive governance within Ghana's education sector, a critical component of national development. Faith-based organisations have historically owned and managed a significant portion of schools across the country, contributing substantially to literacy rates and moral education. Their involvement in policy-making bodies like the GES Council ensures their perspectives are integrated into national educational strategies, impacting millions of students and educators.
Dr Clement Apak stated that the Ministry recognised the inadequacy of the current provision when constituting the GES Council in 2025. He noted that the Ministry decided to maintain the existing arrangement temporarily, pending a legal amendment. This approach underscores the government's commitment to a consultative process in educational reforms.
The proposed amendment will also consider the government’s decentralisation policy on education, aiming for a more localised and responsive governance structure. This legislative review is crucial for maintaining the long-standing partnership between the state and religious bodies in education. The Ministry has engaged various stakeholders on this matter, ensuring a broad consensus before finalising the changes.
The previous Ghana Education Service Act, 1995 (Act 506), allowed for three representatives from faith-based organisations on the GES Council. However, the subsequent Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049), reduced this provision to just one representative. This change created what the Ministry described as an “anomaly in the representation of faith-based organisations,” prompting the current corrective measures.
The Ministry reiterated its dedication to an inclusive and consultative approach to education governance. It pledged to continue engaging with stakeholders to strengthen the education sector. This collaborative spirit is essential for addressing complex challenges, including student discipline and curriculum development, which require diverse insights and collective action.
The Ministry specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and other faith-based organisations to education in Ghana. It called upon these groups to collaborate with the government to address the “growing indiscipline in the education sector” while the legislative review proceeds. This partnership is vital for fostering a conducive learning environment and upholding educational standards nationwide.
The restoration of full faith-based representation on the GES Council is expected to enhance the council's effectiveness and legitimacy. It will ensure that the voices of key stakeholders, who manage numerous educational institutions, are heard in policy decisions. This legislative correction aims to reinforce the foundational role of religious bodies in shaping Ghana's educational landscape for future generations.