Presbyterian Moderator firmly warns against threats to Mission school values

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt Rev Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has called on Ghanaians to preserve the long-standing peaceful coexistence within mission schools by reinforcing mutual respect between proprietors and students of diverse religious backgrounds.

Addressing the 87th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School in Accra, the Moderator cautioned that ongoing disputes surrounding religious expression in some second-cycle institutions risk undermining decades of stability and collaboration in Ghana’s education sector. He emphasised that learners who choose mission schools must also acknowledge the identity, vision and heritage of the institutions that provide them with training and opportunities.

Rt Rev Opare Kwakye noted that for generations, Ghana’s mission schools have admitted students from various faiths who have willingly embraced the principles that shaped these institutions. He warned that attempts by a few individuals to disrupt this balance could pose broader threats to national cohesion if not handled with care.

He added that respect for religious freedom is essential, but it must be accompanied by an understanding of the foundational values upon which mission schools were established. According to him, maintaining this equilibrium is vital to sustaining unity and consistency across the education system.

During the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, delivered a related message underscoring the importance of preserving interfaith harmony in schools. He described Ghana’s secondary school environment as a key platform for nurturing national unity by bringing young people from different backgrounds together.

The Minister praised the country’s long tradition of religious tolerance, recounting symbolic moments such as the National Chief Imam’s interaction with Christian communities. He urged the public to focus less on rigid doctrinal differences and more on the shared values that strengthen social cohesion.

Mr Ablakwa also raised concerns about the ethical direction of Ghana’s education system, questioning why some graduates engage in corrupt acts that harm the country. He advocated for an educational vision that prioritises integrity, accountability and responsible citizenship.

The celebration, held on the theme “Celebrating our heritage: Shaping future leaders through discipline and academic excellence”, brought together alumni, parents, clergy, government officials and distinguished guests. Recognition was given to 47 former students who achieved straight 8As in the 2024 WASSCE examinations, each receiving a laptop from Mr Ablakwa to support their tertiary education journey.

The Headmaster, David Odjidja, highlighted the school’s outstanding academic performance, reporting that nearly 800 candidates produced single-digit aggregates in the 2024 WASSCE. He outlined strong results in the core subjects, where the majority of candidates scored within the top grade brackets.

Despite the achievements, the Headmaster identified serious infrastructural challenges, largely driven by increased enrolment and the pressures of the double-track system. The school faces shortages in classroom furniture, dormitory beds, library seating and dining hall facilities. He noted that although PRESEC has six science laboratory spaces, none has been fully equipped and therefore remain unused.

To support the government’s goal of transitioning all double-track schools to a single-track structure by the 2027–2028 academic year, he appealed for urgent assistance from government, old students, the church and other development partners. He stressed the need for a 48-unit classroom block, expanded dormitory capacity, and additional science and computer laboratories to keep pace with the school’s growing population.

Mr Odjidja concluded with a call to stakeholders to help secure the institution’s future and maintain the legacy of excellence that has defined Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School for decades.