The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) has called on the government to review and improve the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, citing key challenges affecting education in the country.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Second National Catholic Education Forum held in Koforidua on March 14, 2025 signed by Most Rev.Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani and President of Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference.
The Bishops emphasized the need for policy adjustments to ensure quality education and sustainable implementation of Free SHS.
The Catholic Bishops Conference urged the government to fulfill its promise of extending the Free SHS policy to private second-cycle schools, allowing them to admit Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) graduates with government funding.
“Placing private schools under Free SHS will help reduce the burden on public SHS, SHTS, and TVET institutions,” the communiqué stated.
The Bishops recommended that the government review the Double Track System and create a clear roadmap to phase it out within two years.
“The challenges associated with the Double Track System must be addressed, and a strategic plan should be in place to gradually phase it out,” they emphasized.
The communiqué also urged the government to clearly define the responsibilities of parents and the state regarding Free SHS funding. The Bishops called for the reinstatement of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to encourage parental involvement in school management.
“Parents must play a role in their ward’s education. The PTA system should be reinstated to strengthen the partnership between parents and schools,” the statement said.
To address falling academic standards, the Bishops recommended that the government introduce a cut-off point for SHS admissions. They also proposed the creation of short-term skills training centers for students who do not qualify for SHS, SHTS, or TVET institutions.
“A structured system should be in place to provide alternative pathways for students who do not meet SHS admission requirements. This includes vocational training and remedial programs,” the Bishops stated.
Reintroduce Repetition for Non-Performing Students
The Bishops called for the reinstatement of student repetition in pre-tertiary education to promote academic excellence.
“Students who struggle academically should be given another opportunity to improve through repetition,” they stated.
Curbing Examination Malpractice & Strengthening Religious Education
The Catholic Bishops Conference expressed concern over increasing examination malpractice and urged the government to:Implement stricter monitoring systems and enforce severe punishments for students, teachers, and officials involved in cheating.
Strengthening Catholic Church’s Role in Education
The Catholic Bishops Conference also called on the government to:Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the partnership between faith-based schools and the government as outlined in the Pre-Tertiary Education Act 2020 (Act 1049).
Restore the roles of Catholic Education Managers in promotions, appointments, and supervision of Catholic schools.
Grant the Catholic Church permanent representation on the Ministerial Advisory Board of Education and the Ghana Education Council, as it is the second-largest provider of education in Ghana.
Ensure transparent placement of students into second-cycle institutions.
Guarantee that at least 20% of students admitted into Catholic Schools are Catholics.
“The government must recognize the contribution of Catholic schools and ensure fair representation in policymaking,” the Bishops stated.
The communiqué recommended that the government:Set a 10-year target to increase funding for technical, vocational, and science education.
Ensure better inclusion of students with special needs in the national education system.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
