Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of Ghana's ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for the state to give churches greater involvement in the management of mission schools. He made this statement at the official launch of a multi-million-cedi College of Education project by the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church at Sekyedumase. This project was part of the church's centenary celebration.
Mr. Nketiah argued that the main driving force for religious bodies to invest in schools is to bring up their children in their core beliefs and discipline. He disagreed with the argument that state-funded schools should not teach the basic tenets of their founding faith. According to him, parents of children in these schools, who are also taxpayers, should have the freedom to choose their preferred educational environment.
The NDC chairman emphasized that missions were the pioneers of education in Ghana and continue to play a significant role in the sector. He noted that most Grade 'A' schools in Ghana are mission schools, implying that their approach to education must be encouraged rather than diluted. Mr. Nketiah also highlighted that parents and students have the right to choose their preferred school and, by doing so, commit to its disciplinary code.
The management of mission schools has been a recurring national debate in Ghana. Currently, the government pays teachers' salaries and provides infrastructure, while the founding missions retain an interest in the schools and oversee discipline and religious ethos. However, tensions have arisen over issues such as religious practices, dress codes, and worship in these schools.
Faith-based organisations, including the Christian Council of Ghana, the Catholic Bishops' Conference, and the SDA Church, have insisted that mission schools provide both academic and moral formation based on their faith values. The SDA Church recently announced plans for a new College of Education as part of its 100th anniversary celebration. The church operates numerous basic and second-cycle schools and several tertiary institutions across Ghana.
Mr. Nketiah's endorsement aligns with the NDC government's policy of strengthening collaboration with faith-based organisations in education delivery. Many traditional authorities and parents' groups also support this position. The Christian Council and other faith-based organisations have been advocating for greater church involvement in mission schools, citing the importance of moral formation in education.
The call for deeper church involvement in mission schools reflects a broader discussion on the role of faith in education. With the SDA Church's new College of Education project, the debate is likely to continue. Key stakeholders will need to balance the role of the state with that of faith-based organisations in providing quality education that meets the needs of students and society.
Key points
- Johnson Asiedu Nketiah advocates for greater church involvement in mission school management.
- The Seventh-Day Adventist Church has launched a multi-million-cedi College of Education project.
- The debate on mission school management reflects a broader discussion on the role of faith in education.
