The USA chapter of the St. Augustine’s Past Students Union (APSU-USA) is calling on the government of Ghana to take immediate and decisive steps to restore and reinforce the Catholic Church’s historic role in the management of Catholic schools across the country.
This passionate appeal was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s 2025 Annual Congress held in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA, from May 23 to 26. The gathering brought together past students of St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast, to deliberate on the future of their alma mater and Catholic education in Ghana.
In a strongly worded statement, APSU-USA endorsed the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s call—originally made at the Second National Catholic Education Forum in March 2025—for the full restoration of the managerial roles of the Catholic Church in its educational institutions.
“The Government of Ghana is urged to take immediate and decisive steps to restore and reinforce the Catholic Church’s managerial role in Catholic education,” the communiqué stressed. “Delaying this effort will only hinder the advancement of holistic education in Ghana.”
The Union threw its full support behind two specific demands outlined by the Bishops:
- Restoration of Managerial Roles
APSU-USA called for the reinstatement of General, Regional, and Local Managers within Catholic schools, with authority over promotions, postings, appointments, and supervision of staff.
“We unequivocally support the restoration of the roles of General, Regional, and Local Managers in the administration of Catholic education,” the group stated.
- Permanent Representation in Policy Bodies
The Congress also backed the call for permanent Catholic Church representation on the Ministerial Advisory Board of Education and the Ghana Education Council, citing the Church’s status as the second-largest provider of education in Ghana.
Why It Matters
APSU-USA outlined the transformational role the Church has played in shaping generations of disciplined, morally upright, and high-performing students. The group argued that the loss of Church control has contributed to a gradual erosion of values and weakened mentoring structures within mission schools.
“Under Church administration, Catholic institutions are widely known for their strong moral foundations and structured environments that promote discipline,” the statement noted.
“Dedicated religious leaders offer invaluable academic and spiritual guidance that inspires a sense of purpose, responsibility, and leadership in students.”
The Union also highlighted the unique role of religious personnel in delivering moral instruction and spiritual development, elements which they said are essential to nurturing holistic and ethically grounded students.
Alumni Support and Impact
The group emphasised that strong Church involvement encourages greater alumni engagement and resource mobilisation. As evidence, APSU-USA cited the over $3 million raised by the global APSU community in the past five years for infrastructure and development at St. Augustine’s College.
“Active Church involvement fosters stronger engagement with alumni, who play critical roles in the development and maintenance of school infrastructure and programmes,” the statement said.
A Call for Urgency
In closing, APSU-USA reiterated its unwavering belief in the long-term benefits of missionary-led education and urged government authorities to act without delay.
“Missionary-led schools remain vital to nurturing disciplined, morally upright, and well-mentored students across Ghana,” the communiqué concluded.
“Restoring the Catholic Church’s role is not just a matter of policy—it is a strategic necessity for national development.”
The Congress reaffirmed APSU-USA’s commitment to its alma mater and pledged continued support towards educational excellence, resource mobilisation, and collaboration with both Church and state to sustain the legacy of Catholic education in Ghana.
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