A delicate balance is being tested in Ghana's mission schools. The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has issued a vital call for Ghanaians to protect the long-standing peace within mission schools. He emphasizes the importance of mutual respect between religious groups and the institutions that shape young minds. But here's where it gets controversial... the heart of the matter lies in navigating the rights of different faiths while also acknowledging the foundational values of the schools themselves. It's a tightrope walk between tolerance and tradition.
Rt Rev. Opare Kwakye pointed out that those who choose to study in mission schools should respect the schools' core principles. He warned that any attempts to disrupt this balance could threaten national unity. He made these remarks at the 87th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) in Accra. This event was particularly timely, given the recent debates over religious practices in schools, especially at the secondary level, with a case currently in court.
Adding to the discussion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, passionately advocates for preserving religious tolerance in schools. He sees the secondary school system as a critical place for building a strong nation.
He argues that generations of Ghanaians have learned to coexist peacefully because schools expose students to diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. And this is the part most people miss... Ablakwa highlights how secondary schools have been a powerful force against discrimination, teaching students that differences enrich us. He even referenced the historical harmony between different faiths, using the National Chief Imam's presence in churches and his own experience hosting the Chief Imam to illustrate Ghana's unique interfaith understanding. He stressed that focusing on our shared humanity and love for one another is more important than strict religious rules.
Mr. Ablakwa also raised a thought-provoking question about the values being produced by the educational system. He questioned why the system might be producing graduates involved in unethical behaviors. He emphasized the need for an educational philosophy that builds ethical leadership, critical thinking, accountability, and discipline.
The event itself was a celebration of PRESEC's heritage, focused on shaping future leaders through discipline and academic excellence. It brought together alumni, parents, government officials, and church leaders. A highlight of the day was the recognition of 47 former students who achieved straight 8As in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Each of these high achievers received a brand-new laptop from Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa to support their future studies. Furthermore, many students were recognized for their outstanding achievements in various subjects, disciplines, and sports.
The Headmaster of PRESEC, David Odjidja, shared the school's impressive academic results. Out of the 2024 WASSCE cohort, 47 students scored 8As, 106 had 7As, 117 obtained 6As, 270 students recorded aggregate 6, and nearly 800 candidates achieved single-digit aggregates. The school's performance in core subjects remained strong, with 87.2% of the 1,686 candidates achieving A1–B3 in Social Studies, 1,685 obtaining A1–B3 in English Language, 80.1% of the 1,548 students recording A1–B3 in Core Mathematics, and 84.5% of the 1,632 students achieving A1–B3 in Integrated Science.
Despite these successes, the Headmaster outlined significant challenges, mainly due to rising enrollment and the double-track system. The school faces shortages in classroom furniture, dormitory beds, library seating, dining hall furniture, and general assembly space. He also noted that while the school has six science laboratories, none of them are equipped. To support the government's plan to transition all double-track schools to single-track by the 2027/2028 academic year, Mr. Odjidja requested a 48-unit classroom block, 6,000-capacity dormitory blocks, 15 additional science laboratories, and six computer laboratories. He appealed to the government, alumni, the church, and other stakeholders for help.
Do you think the balance between religious freedom and respecting the values of mission schools is being maintained? What are your thoughts on the role of schools in shaping ethical leaders? Share your opinions in the comments below!
