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By Stanley Senya
Accra, June 9, GNA – The USA chapter of the St. Augustine’s Past Students Union (APSU USA) has called for the full restoration and strengthening of the Catholic Church’s managerial role in Ghana’s education system.
In a resolution unanimously adopted at the conclusion of the 2025 APSU USA Annual Congress held in Greenbelt, Maryland, the congress declared its unflinching support for provisions outlined in a communiqué issued by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference on March 14, 2025, following the Second National Catholic Education Forum held in the Diocese of Koforidua.
The APSU USA congress endorsed two key provisions in the Bishops’ communiqué. First, it backed the restoration of the roles of General, Regional, and Local Managers in the administration of Catholic education, including their authority in promoting, appointing, posting, and supervising personnel within Catholic schools.
Second, it supported the call for permanent representation of the Catholic Church on the Ministerial Advisory Board of Education and the Ghana Education Council, citing the Church’s status as the second-largest provider of education in the country.
The statement said the congress emphasised the long-standing benefits of Catholic missionary involvement in school management, particularly at the Senior High School level.
It noted that Catholic schools were widely respected for fostering discipline through structured environments, moral training, and a culture of respect for authority.
Delegates also highlighted the invaluable mentoring provided by religious leaders and educators, whose influence shaped students into responsible and purposeful individuals.
The statement further pointed out that the presence of religious personnel in schools enriched moral and religious education, offering students access to character-building programmes, spiritual counseling, and religious services.
These contributions, the congress noted, were reflected in the achievements of alumni globally.
In addition, the congress praised the active engagement of alumni in Catholic school development, citing the Global APSU community’s contribution of over $3 million to St. Augustine’s College infrastructure over the past five years as a prime example.
It said APSU USA reaffirmed its commitment to this legacy of resource mobilisation, collaboration, and continued support for its alma mater.
It urged the government to take immediate and decisive steps to restore the Catholic Church’s managerial role in education.
“The congress warned that any further delay in this effort would hinder the advancement of holistic, value-based education essential to national development,” the statement added.
Delegates to the Congress were drawn from across the United States and deliberated on matters affecting their alma mater St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast and the broader landscape of Catholic education in Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie
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