Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle, has urged Catholic parents not to use church connections or personal influence to secure admission for children who do not meet the academic requirements of Catholic schools.
He said relying on what is commonly described as “protocol” could weaken academic standards and undermine the reputation of Catholic educational institutions.
The Archbishop made the remarks in Sekondi during the 80th Anniversary Lecture of St Paul’s Commandery No. 354 of the Knights of St John International.
His comments come as parents and students navigate the ongoing Senior High School placement exercise, with some seeking alternative ways to gain admission to preferred schools.
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle encouraged Catholic parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s education and provide the necessary support to help them meet academic requirements.
He stressed that belonging to the Catholic Church should not automatically guarantee admission to a Catholic school.
He also urged church members to view their participation in the Church as a contribution to its development rather than as a means of securing personal benefits.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference is pursuing the implementation of a policy to reserve 20 per cent of admissions to Catholic mission schools for Catholic candidates.
According to the Bishops, the decision was reached at the National Catholic Education Forum held in Koforidua in 2025 and is not a newly introduced proposal.
