The Catholic Bishop of Koforidua, Bishop Dr. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, has strongly criticized both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their perceived insensitivity towards the needs of mission educational institutions in Ghana.
During the 4th Graduation, Speech, and Prize Giving Day at the St. Mary Vocational Institution in Asamankese, Eastern Region, Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum lamented the failure of successive political administrations to address critical issues faced by mission schools.
He highlighted both parties’ failure to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ghana Education Service, Ministry of Education, and Conference of Managers of Educational Units (COMEU) on religious tolerance and freedom in private and government-assisted mission schools.
The MoU, aimed at ensuring holistic education and mitigating the rise of religious extremism across the country, has been repeatedly neglected despite promises made during electoral campaigns.
According to Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum, this negligence poses a severe threat to educational institutions and reflects a disregard for the welfare of students and staff.
He urged political leaders to prioritize the signing of the MoU as a crucial step towards safeguarding religious tolerance in educational settings.
The Bishop’s remarks underscored growing frustrations within the Catholic community and other stakeholders over the perceived indifference of political leaders to fundamental issues affecting mission schools despite their significant contributions to education in Ghana.
