The St. Augustine’s College Past Students Union (APSU), USA Chapter, has called for the restoration and strengthening of the Catholic Church’s historic role in educational management in Ghana.
The appeal, which was made in a communiqué issued after the APSU USA Annual Congress, endorsed by incoming President, Thomas Andoh, of the APSU 19992-year group and outgoing President, Augustine Abotsi, APSU’93, reaffirmed the union’s unwavering support for the church’s leadership in education.
The congress, which was held from May 23 to 26, 2025, in Greenbelt, Maryland, specifically endorsed key provisions from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference held in Koforidua, Eastern Region, in March 2025, after which a communiqué, titled “Message of the Second National Catholic Education Forum,” was issued.
The resolutions proposed by the Bishops’ Congress of which the union is endorsing, include the restoration and strengthening of managerial roles. The Congress unequivocally supports “the restoration of the roles of general, regional, and local managers in the administration of Catholic education. This includes the promotion, appointment, posting, and effective supervision of personnel within Catholic schools.”
Secondly, the Bishops demanded a permanent representation. “The Congress enthusiastically endorses the provision for permanent representation of the Catholic Church on the Ministerial Advisory Board of Education and the Ghana Education Council, recognising the Church’s pivotal role as the second largest provider of education in the country.”
According to APSU-USA, the rationale for supporting and enduring the commitment is that the benefits of missionary involvement in school management in Ghana, especially in senior high schools, are both evident and indispensable to the holistic development of the nation’s youth and to national progress.
These benefits include, it emphasises to include, discipline, mentoring, availability of religious personnel for teaching, and direct access to alumni.
“Discipline is a hallmark of mission schools. Catholic schools foster strong moral values, punctuality, and respect for authority. Religious leaders and educators provide academic and spiritual guidance, shaping responsible leaders. The clergy and lay ministers enhance moral instruction, character formation, and holistic development.
“And finally, church-led schools maintain robust alumni networks, driving infrastructure and programme development. APSU-USA alone has contributed over US$3 million to St. Augustine’s College in the past five years,” stated the union.
A Call to Action
APSU-USA has urged the government to act swiftly in restoring the church’s managerial role in Catholic education, warning that delays would hinder national progress.
“Missionary-led schools remain essential in molding disciplined, ethical, and well-rounded students. We stand ready to support this mission for generations to come,” the statement read.
