The Ghana Ministry of Education has formally announced a legislative initiative to amend the Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049), with the primary objective of ensuring meaningful representation for recognized faith-based organizations within the Ghana Education Service (GES) Council. This action follows a significant and ongoing dialogue initiated by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which highlighted concerns regarding the exclusion of faith-based entities from the Council’s deliberations and decision-making processes. The announcement, issued on August 27, 2026, signifies a pivotal shift in the Ministry’s approach to governance and its commitment to fostering a more inclusive educational landscape.
The original Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049), established three representatives of faith-based organizations on the GES Council. However, the Ministry has recognized that this representation has been reduced to a single member, a situation which the Bishops’ Conference has emphasized as an inequitable and potentially detrimental imbalance within the Council’s composition. The Ministry’s official statement acknowledged this discrepancy, stating that the concerns raised by the Bishops’ Conference were being meticulously assessed.
Following a review of the Ghana Education Service Act, 1995 (Act 506), which previously defined this representation, the Ministry initiated a process to address this anomaly. The Ministry detailed that the reduction in representation was a result of a scheduling adjustment made during the 2025 GES Council appointment process, prompting a reconsideration of the existing framework. The Ministry’s decision to prolong this review process reflects a broader strategy of bolstering the education sector through decentralisation initiatives, which involve a multi-faceted approach to governance.
The Ministry further outlined the planned legislative amendment, stating that it will specifically address the need to provide adequate representation for all recognized faith-based organizations within the GES Council. The proposed amendment, scheduled to be initiated within the next legislative framework, will fundamentally alter the composition of the Council, ensuring that faith-based institutions have a proportional voice in shaping educational policies and practices across Ghana. This includes a detailed assessment of existing representation and a clear pathway for future inclusion.
To facilitate this crucial legislative review, the Ministry has engaged a range of stakeholders, including relevant government agencies and representatives from faith-based organizations. The Ministry emphasized the importance of a collaborative and consultative approach, assuring that all key interests within the education sector will be adequately considered during this process. The Ministry expressed appreciation to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and other faith-based organizations for their longstanding contributions to the nation’s education system, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the future of learning. The Ministry also reiterated its commitment to strengthening foundational learning within Ghana, further underlining its dedication to ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.
Specifically, the Ministry stated that it will continue to engage stakeholders to strengthen the education sector, ensuring that all key interests are appropriately represented. The Ministry also expressed its commitment to providing comprehensive support to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in its efforts to address growing discipline issues within the education sector, acknowledging the challenges that the sector faces while the legislative review is underway. The Ministry has also highlighted a commitment to improving the quality of education across the nation, and the anticipated amendment to the GES Council will undoubtedly contribute to this overarching goal.
The Ministry anticipates that the amendment will significantly enhance the inclusivity and legitimacy of the GES Council, bolstering public trust in the education system and furthering Ghana’s commitment to equitable access to quality education for all its citizens. It is expected that the amendment will be presented to the National Assembly for consideration and final approval. The Ministry will continue to monitor the progress of this legislative review and provide updates as they become available. The Ministry further emphasizes that the legal framework surrounding education is a continually evolving area and that adjustments are a part of the process to ensure the best possible outcomes for the nation’s students.
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Source: Adom Online
