The USA chapter of the St. Augustine’s Past Students Union (APSU USA) has issued a strong call for the Ghanaian government to fully restore and strengthen the Catholic Church’s leadership and managerial role within the nation’s education system. The appeal was made at the conclusion of the 2025 APSU USA Annual Congress in Greenbelt, Maryland, where alumni from across the United States gathered to deliberate on the future of Catholic education in Ghana.
The resolution adopted at the congress expresses unwavering support for key recommendations from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which had earlier advocated for the reinstatement of the Church’s authority in managing Catholic schools. This includes control over the appointment, posting, and supervision of staff, as well as permanent representation on major educational advisory boards.
APSU USA delegates stressed that the Catholic Church’s historical involvement has been instrumental in cultivating disciplined, morally grounded, and academically excellent students, particularly at the Senior High School level. The congress noted that Catholic schools provide not only rigorous academics but also a holistic environment that nurtures character development through religious guidance, mentorship, and value-based education.
The presence of religious leaders and educators in schools was highlighted as a critical factor in promoting spiritual counseling and moral education, elements that have contributed to the success and global reputation of Catholic school alumni.
Beyond educational quality, the congress also spotlighted the powerful role of alumni in sustaining and improving Catholic education infrastructure. With over $3 million contributed by the global APSU community to St. Augustine’s College in Cape Coast over the past five years, the union reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing resource mobilisation and support for the institution.
Calling on the government to act swiftly, APSU USA warned that delays in restoring the Church’s managerial role could stall progress toward a values-driven education system crucial for Ghana’s national development. The congress urged policymakers to recognize the Catholic Church’s position as a vital partner in education and leverage its experience to enrich the national curriculum and school governance.
This stance from APSU USA reflects a wider concern about preserving quality education and moral integrity in Ghana’s schools amidst changing administrative policies. The outcome of this advocacy could influence not only Catholic institutions but also the broader landscape of education reform in Ghana.
