TEPPCON Bishops Calls for Support and Reforms to Strengthen Education in Northern Ghana

Most Rev. Fr. Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of Navrongo/Balgatanga

A communique issued by the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province Pastoral Conference (TEPPCON) led by Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Metropolitan Bishop of Tamale, and presented by Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of Navrongo-Bolgatanga , has underscores the vital role of education as a cornerstone of sustainable development in Ghana. The document highlights both the historical challenges and ongoing efforts of the Catholic Church in advancing education in the Northern Territories.

The bishops acknowledged that the journey of Western education in northern Ghana has been fraught with difficulties. During colonial rule, strict restrictions hindered the establishment of schools in the north, contrasting sharply with the relatively long-standing educational presence in southern Ghana, where European missionaries had been active since the 1600s. Structured mission schools by Wesleyan and Basel missionaries emerged in the 1800s, laying the foundation for formal education. It was only in 1907 that the first school was established in Navrongo, with a subsequent school following in Jirapa in 1937.

Despite these humble beginnings, the current landscape has seen significant growth. Today, northern Ghana boasts a total of 1,657 educational institutions, including kindergartens, primary schools, junior high schools, senior high schools, vocational training centers, seminaries, tertiary institutions, and special schools. The Catholic Church now ranks as the second-largest provider of education in Ghana, with a long-standing tradition of fostering social transformation through education.

The bishops emphasized that Catholic educational initiatives have gone beyond religious instruction, serving as pivotal agents of social change. Through the establishment of schools, teacher training programs, and literacy campaigns, the Church has played a crucial role in bridging the disparities caused by neglect during colonial times and government underinvestment. These efforts have laid a resilient foundation for human capital development in the region.

Catholic education remains relevant and attractive, grounded in Gospel values of honesty, respect, and hard work, alongside Ghanaian cultural principles. Its contributions extend beyond education into social interventions aimed at poverty alleviation and improving living standards, implemented by various Catholic diocesan development organizations.

However, the bishops also highlighted several pressing challenges facing Catholic education today. These include policies and reforms that sometimes conflict with Gospel and cultural values, rising student indiscipline, interference by political and traditional authorities, increasing cases of drug abuse, examination malpractice, and school violence.

In response, the bishops made a series of calls to action. They urged Catholics to actively support Catholic schools through contributions and participation, emphasizing the importance of regular school monitoring and supervision by priests and local managers. They also called on teachers to embody Catholic values in their teaching and on diocesan leaders to foster proactive, innovative approaches to education management.

Furthermore, the bishops appealed for the government to expedite the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the management of faith-based schools, to facilitate better administration. They also advocated for the establishment of endowment funds, the formalization of private Catholic schools, and the training of more religious personnel to ensure effective succession planning.

While acknowledging the government's efforts to expand educational access, particularly in the north, the bishops urged the establishment of additional Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to equip youth with employable skills and reduce migration to southern Ghana.

A cross - section of participants at the conference

The call for strengthened collaboration and reform was made in the context of the 21st Biennial Plenary Assembly of the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province Postoral Conference (TEPPCON), held from November 24th to 28th, 2025, in the Wa Diocese under the theme: "Catholic Education in Northern Ghana: History, Achievements, Challenges, and Way Forward."