The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has expressed concern over the increasing levels of indiscipline in educational institutions, including Catholic mission schools, and called for tougher measures to safeguard minors against abuse. The Bishops identified incidents of violence, disrespect for authority, examination malpractice and vandalism as worrying developments that threaten the educational system’s role in shaping responsible individuals and upholding society’s moral values.
They were particularly troubled by allegations of sexual abuse involving minors by adults entrusted with their care in schools. In their communiqué, the Bishops described the situation as alarming, noting that the growing indiscipline in some educational institutions, including mission schools, was undermining the values and principles that education seeks to instil.
The concerns were outlined in a communiqué issued at the end of the Conference’s annual Plenary Assembly, held from November 3 to 14, 2026, at the Divine Providence Pastoral Centre, Jamasi, in the Konongo-Mampong Diocese of the Ashanti Region. The assembly was held under the theme, “Communion, Participation and Mission: Preparing the Catholic Church in Ghana for Her 150th Anniversary in 2030”.
The Bishops urged the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, school authorities and relevant police departments to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse and other forms of misconduct in schools, stressing that the process must be impartial and that anyone found culpable should face the full rigours of the law.
They further called on the relevant institutions to strengthen disciplinary structures, character development and moral education to address the growing concerns. The Conference also advocated a renewed partnership between the government and religious missions in the management of mission schools, emphasising the importance of mutual respect, clearly defined responsibilities and respect for the founding principles and values of these institutions.
According to the Bishops, education should not focus solely on academic excellence but must also equip students with the moral principles and sense of responsibility needed to become productive members of society.
Their concerns come against the backdrop of allegations of sexual assault involving female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School. The development has resulted in the interdiction of the school’s headteacher, Zakaria Abdulai, as police investigations into the matter continue.
The Bishops stressed that tackling indiscipline and protecting minors from abuse must remain key priorities within Ghana’s educational system, insisting that schools must provide safe and secure environments where students can learn and develop without fear of exploitation or harm.
