Cotonou, Benin – The 11th Congress of the Regional Union of Catholic Priests of West Africa (RUPWA) Executive meeting, currently underway in Cotonou from Monday, June 9th to Sunday, June 16th, 2025, has seen West African Catholic priests issue a strong demand for respect for their educational institutions. The clergy articulated concerns that government financial support and salary subsidies should not undermine the foundational values and principles of Catholic schools.
Emphasizing that governmental aid should not dictate the moral or operational direction of these institutions, the priests stated, “Don’t take advantage of our institutions simply because the government is paying or subsidizing salaries.” They are advocating for clear boundaries to protect the mission and identity of Catholic schools from external influences and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering an educational environment that upholds both academic excellence and core Catholic values. Ghana is represented at the congress by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Kojovi Liashiedzi, Executive Secretary of the Department of Pastoral Ministry and Evangelization, and Rev. Fr. Terence Edwin Adzimah, Director of CEHUD.
West African Catholic Priests Assert Institutional Integrity Amidst Government Subsidies
Cotonou, Benin – West African Catholic priests, convened for the 11th Regional Union of Catholic Priests of West Africa (RUPWA) Executive meeting in Cotonou, have issued a strong declaration emphasizing the need to safeguard the foundational values of their educational institutions from external influences, particularly those stemming from government financial support. The meeting, taking place from Monday, June 9 to Sunday, June 16, 2025, sees Ghana represented by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Kojovi Liashiedzi, Executive Secretary of the Department of Pastoral Ministry and Evangelization, and Rev. Fr. Terence Edwin Adzimah, Director of CEHUD.
The clergy asserted that while government subsidies for salaries and operations are welcomed, they should not be exploited to compromise the principles and mission of Catholic schools. They underscored their commitment to maintaining high educational standards where faith and learning are harmoniously integrated, calling for clear boundaries to protect the unique identity and moral fabric of these institutions. The ongoing discussions aim to foster an educational environment that upholds academic excellence while consistently exemplifying core Catholic values.
Sankofaonline
