The Catholic Church has called on the government to review the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to address inefficiencies and ensure sustainable funding for quality education in Ghana.
This was a key resolution from the Second Catholic National Education Forum, held in Koforidua, where Catholic bishops, educators, and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of education in the country.
The Church acknowledged the positive impact of the Free SHS policy, which has increased enrollment and expanded access to secondary education.
However, concerns were raised over the double-track system, inadequate infrastructure, lack of essential learning materials, and declining discipline in schools.
Church leaders stressed the need for a structured approach to improve the quality of education under Free SHS.
The statement urged that government “reviews the Free SHS/SHTS policy to address questions on the respective responsibilities of parents and Government.”
“It pursues its promise of reinstating parents’ responsibility to contribute to their ward’s education and reinstate the Parent-Teacher Association, and so protect the rights of teachers and parents to be represented in the partnership.”
They urged the government to assess the policy’s effectiveness and consider adjustments that ensure students receive a well-rounded, disciplined, and resource-equipped education.
In a statement signed by the President of Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, one major recommendation was the review of parental roles in funding education.
The Catholic Church argued that while free education is a noble initiative, parents should be allowed and encouraged to contribute to their children’s education in ways that do not create financial hardship.
The forum suggested that parents be given a role in supporting certain non-tuition costs, such as school feeding, infrastructure maintenance, and extracurricular activities, to help improve the learning environment.
“The Free SHS policy must be structured in a way that balances access with quality,” the communique stated.
“We believe that a well-planned review will allow for greater efficiency, better discipline, and the active involvement of parents in shaping their children’s education.”
As part of the recommendations, the Church called for stakeholder consultations involving government, religious organizations, parents, and education experts to find a sustainable model that ensures quality learning while maintaining affordability.
The Catholic Church also reiterated the need for stronger collaboration between government and mission schools, urging the government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Church to formalize its role in managing Catholic schools and restoring its authority in staffing and administration.
With the 2025/2026 academic year approaching, the Church hopes that policymakers will take these recommendations seriously to address the challenges facing the Free SHS system and enhance the overall quality of education in Ghana.
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