President John Dramani Mahama has apologised to the Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for the delay in extending invitations to them for the ongoing National Education Forum in Ho.
His apology follows concerns raised by the two Christian bodies in a press statement, expressing their disappointment over being excluded from the crucial discussions on Ghana’s education system. The forum, which commenced on Tuesday, February 18, in the Volta Region, aims to bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on policies and reforms in the education sector.
Addressing the issue at the forum’s launch, President Mahama acknowledged the oversight and reassured religious leaders of his government’s commitment to inclusivity in national dialogues on education.
“Let me express my sincerest apologies on behalf of the planning committee of the forum to our stakeholders of the faith-based organizations for the unpardonable omission committed in your delayed invitation to this forum,” he stated in the Volta Regional capital.
He emphasized that the mistake had been quickly rectified but still warranted an apology.
“The omission was very speedily remedied, but you still deserve an unqualified apology for this oversight,” he added.
Recognizing the vital role religious organizations play in education, Mahama expressed confidence that they would extend their understanding.
“And since you are the purveyors of God’s mercy on Earth, I’m sure that you have forgiven us… And we know you’re important stakeholders because you own some of the schools, and so this educational forum is important to see how we carry everybody together.”
The National Education Forum brought together education experts, policymakers, civil society organizations, and religious leaders to explore strategies for strengthening Ghana’s education system.
Discussions are expected to focus on key issues such as curriculum development, teacher training, infrastructure challenges, and the role of faith-based institutions in shaping the country’s educational landscape.
Despite the initial oversight, the participation of faith-based organizations in the forum is expected to contribute significantly to the discourse, given their long-standing involvement in the provision of quality education across the country.