This article examines the implications of the Education Ministry’s proposed amendment to the Pre-Tertiary Education Act regarding faith-based representation.
Proposed Amendments to the Pre-Tertiary Education Act
The Ministry of Education has announced plans to amend the Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049), to reinstate appropriate representation for recognised faith-based organisations on the Ghana Education Service (GES) Council. This decision follows concerns from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference about their exclusion from the current council structure. The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, acknowledged the importance of faith-based institutions in enhancing Ghana’s educational landscape and indicated that the proposed changes aim to rectify a perceived anomaly in representation.
Historical Context of Faith-Based Representation
Under the Ghana Education Service Act, 1995 (Act 506), three representatives from faith-based organisations were included in the GES Council. However, the subsequent enactment of the Pre-Tertiary Education Act in 2020 reduced this number to just one representative. This alteration has been viewed as a significant reduction in the voice and influence of faith-based organisations in educational governance. The Ministry’s commitment to amend the law reflects a recognition of the contributions these organisations make to education and a desire to restore a more balanced representation.
Stakeholder Engagement and Future Steps
The Ministry of Education has stated that it is engaging with relevant stakeholders to discuss the proposed amendments and ensure that the changes align with the government’s decentralisation policy on education. This consultative approach aims to foster collaboration between the government and faith-based organisations, particularly as concerns about growing indiscipline in the educational sector are addressed. The Ministry has called upon these organisations to work alongside the government during this legislative review period to enhance educational governance.
Implications for Public Procurement in Education
The proposed amendments to the Pre-Tertiary Education Act could have significant implications for public procurement within the education sector. By restoring faith-based representation on the GES Council, the Ministry may enable a more diverse range of perspectives in decision-making processes, potentially influencing how contracts are awarded and managed. This change could lead to increased competition among service providers, as faith-based organisations often bring unique resources and approaches to educational challenges. The outcome of this legislative effort may reshape the landscape of educational procurement in Ghana.
IN NUMBERS
The Ministry of Education’s initiative to amend the Pre-Tertiary Education Act highlights the importance of inclusive representation in educational governance and its potential impact on public procurement processes.
Reported from myjoyonline.com, 2026-08-27. The Tender Wire is published by Otnox.
