The Ghana Education Service (GES) Council is slated to establish a new representation for all recognised faith-based organisations within the next Council meeting, a move initiated by the Ministry of Education following a significant review of the existing Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (ACT,1049). The Ministry’s decision stems from a recognized anomaly – the Act, 1995 (ACT 506) outlined only one representation of faith-based organisations within the GES, whereas the 2020 Act, 1049 provides for a single representation. This discrepancy has been a point of contention, particularly concerning the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC)’s exclusion from the GES Council. The Ministry acknowledges the crucial role faith-based educational institutions have played in Ghana’s historical and ongoing development of education, and has been actively engaging stakeholders – including the GCBC – in a collaborative process to ensure the sector’s continued growth and stability. A statement from the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, indicates that the Ministry has been diligently reviewing legislation and considering the implications of decentralisation policy on Education. The Ministry stated that the current situation was brought to their attention following concerns raised by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference regarding the exclusion of faith-based institutions from the GES Council. The Ministry acknowledges the importance of these institutions, highlighting their longstanding contributions to the education landscape. The ministry affirmed its commitment to an inclusive, consultative, and collaborative approach to governance, emphasizing the need to strengthen the education sector through continued engagement with relevant stakeholders. Specifically, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to reviewing legislation and ensuring the effective representation of faith-based organisations within the GES Council. The Ministry further stated its appreciation for the contribution of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and other faith-based organisations, expressing a request for their collaboration in addressing the growing challenges within the education sector. The proposed legislative action represents a fundamental shift in how faith-based organisations are integrated into the GES, aiming to ensure equitable representation and continued support for educational initiatives across Ghana. The Ministry’s stated goal is to ensure the education sector remains robust, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders, including faith-based institutions. The detailed process and timeline for the Council representation are expected to be finalized and communicated shortly, with a focus on achieving a balanced and collaborative approach to governance. The Ministry further stressed the importance of the collective work of all stakeholders to ensure the continued success of Ghana’s education system.”
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Source: Graphic Online
