The Ministry of Education has announced plans to amend the Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049), to increase the representation of recognised faith-based organisations on the Ghana Education Service (GES) Council.
The move follows concerns raised by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference over the absence of its representative on the Council. The Ministry acknowledged the significant role faith-based organisations have played in the development of education in Ghana.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, and signed by Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak, the Ministry explained that the previous Ghana Education Service Act, 1995 (Act 506), allocated three seats on the GES Council to representatives of faith-based organisations.
However, that representation was reduced to one seat under the Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020.
According to the Ministry, the issue was identified during efforts to constitute the GES Council in 2025. It subsequently decided to suspend the process pending an amendment of Act 1049.
“The Ministry, in constituting the GES Council in 2025, noticed this anomaly of inadequate representation of the faith-based organisations and decided to hold on to it until Act 1049 is amended to adequately cater for faith-based institutions,” the statement said.
The proposed amendment is expected to provide appropriate representation for recognised faith-based organisations while also supporting the government’s decentralisation agenda in education.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and consultative governance within the education sector and stressed the importance of ensuring that relevant stakeholders have a meaningful voice in education administration.
It also called on faith-based organisations to support efforts to address growing indiscipline in schools as the legislative review progresses.
By:Rachael Djabakie