Economist and Finance Professor at the University of Ghana, Godfred Bokpin, has expressed concerns over the state's increasing reliance on legal measures to resolve the ongoing dispute involving Wesley Girls’ Senior High School (SHS). He warned that such an approach risks undermining the long-standing collaborative relationship between the government and mission schools in Ghana.
Speaking on *Newsfile* on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Prof. Bokpin cautioned that the current trajectory creates a troubling perception: once mission schools accept state funding, they lose autonomy and ownership of their institutions. He firmly rejected this notion, stressing that the historical relationship between the state and private mission institutions has always been one of partnership, not confiscation.
“The state should not weaken the autonomy of private institutions that have long been partners in national development,” Prof. Bokpin stated. “Rather than eroding their ability to enforce their own rules, we should be strengthening these partnerships to promote national growth, with private entities retaining the freedom to pursue their mission and values.”
He further argued that Ghana should focus on fostering deeper partnerships with private institutions, as these institutions play a key role in the country’s educational landscape. "Ultimately, the state benefits when private institutions thrive," he added.
Prof. Bokpin also reflected on the historical role of religious organizations in Ghana’s education system. While some religious bodies initially hesitated to embrace formal education decades ago, others made substantial investments in schools and hospitals, driven by their faith and commitment to national development. These investments, he pointed out, are constitutionally protected and should not be undermined by the current debate.
He commended Muslim communities in Ghana for their progressive approach to education, particularly in the area of girls’ education, highlighting the positive impact of religious missions on the country’s educational development.
However, Prof. Bokpin cautioned that if the latest developments in the Wesley Girls’ case lead religious bodies to assert full control or partial ownership of educational institutions, it could create significant complications. He noted that mission schools were originally established for specific purposes, and the state partnered with them because it could not fully bear the cost of expanding educational access.
“The principle of partnership must be preserved,” he emphasized. “Weakening the strong to strengthen the weak will only create new problems.”
Prof. Bokpin urged all parties involved in the debate to prioritize dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to preserving institutional identity. He stressed that resorting to legal battles could destabilize Ghana’s entire educational framework and disrupt the balance of collaboration that has benefited the nation for decades.
Source: *MyNewsGh.com*
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