The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference is calling on the government to restore the mutual respect and cooperation that once defined the relationship between the Church and the state in the management of mission schools.

The Bishops expressed concern that this historic partnership has been steadily eroded, with some education authorities and local leaders now treating mission schools as entirely state-owned institutions.

According to the Conference, this trend disregards the founding churches’ ownership rights, historical contributions, and ongoing responsibilities.

Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of OLAM Senior High School in Tema, the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, emphasised that Catholic schools were built on a foundation of faith, discipline, and a strong moral compass, aimed at shaping responsible, values-driven citizens.

He warned that the diminishing role of the church in the administration of its own schools threatens the unique identity and mission of Catholic education in Ghana.

“The weakening of this partnership could ultimately undermine the quality of values-based education that has played a vital role in Ghana’s development,” he noted.

Bishop Louis also raised alarm over a growing trend in which even Catholic students are being denied admission to Catholic schools—a practice he described as deeply troubling and contrary to the core mission for which these institutions were established.

Adding his voice to the concerns, Headmaster of OLAM Senior High School, Mr. Peter Obeng Tweneboah, outlined several challenges facing the school and appealed to the government for urgent intervention to address them.