ALLOW CHURCHES TO MANAGE MISSION SCHOOLS AGAIN TO RESTORE DISCIPLINE – PASTOR WILLIAMS NYARKO URGES GOVERNMENT

The Head Pastor of the Abira Church of Christ in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Pastor Williams Nyarko, has issued a passionate appeal to the Government of Ghana to return the management of mission schools to churches, insisting that doing so is vital to restoring discipline, morality, and academic excellence in the nation’s education system.

Pastor Nyarko made the appeal during the dedication of a newly constructed 500-seater church auditorium and a three-room mission apartment, a project funded and donated by philanthropist and businessman Mr. Kofi Sefa Boakye. The ceremony drew church members, traditional authorities, community leaders, municipal dignitaries, and residents, all gathered to celebrate the landmark development and reflect on the transformative role of the church in nation-building.

Addressing the congregation, Pastor Nyarko expressed grave concern over what he described as the rising moral decay, indiscipline, and disrespect for authority among students in many schools across Ghana. He attributed these challenges to the government’s takeover of mission schools, which historically were run by Christian denominations with a focus on both academic excellence and character formation.

“In the past, when churches managed schools, discipline and moral education were at the core of learning. Students were taught not only to excel academically but to live upright, God-fearing lives. Today, we see rising disobedience, disrespect for teachers, and moral decay among students because the spiritual foundation has been weakened,” Pastor Nyarko lamented.

He emphasized that church-managed education has historically produced some of Ghana’s finest leaders, professionals, and responsible citizens, instilling values such as integrity, humility, and patriotism. Pastor Nyarko therefore urged the government to restore mission churches’ role in school administration, arguing that their involvement is essential for nurturing disciplined, morally upright, and academically excellent students.

The pastor explained that the mission of churches in education goes beyond academics, as it also focuses on character development, ethical grounding, and preparing students to contribute positively to society. “Empowering faith-based institutions to manage schools ensures students learn principles of respect, hard work, and accountability—values critical for national development,” he said.

Pastor Nyarko further appealed for collaboration between the government and churches, clarifying that the call is not for control but partnership:

“If the government truly wants to reform education and produce disciplined youth, it must partner closely with churches. Together, we can ensure schools cultivate responsible leaders grounded in faith and morality.”

During the ceremony, Pastor Nyarko also commended Mr. Kofi Sefa Boakye for his exceptional generosity in constructing and donating the 500-seater auditorium and three-room mission apartment to the Abira Church of Christ. He described Mr. Boakye’s act as a shining example of how faith-inspired philanthropy can enhance community development and support both spiritual and educational missions.

In his remarks, Pastor Nyarko reiterated the church’s commitment to complementing government efforts in education, moral training, and community development. He assured that if mission churches are given the opportunity, they will work hand in hand with the Ghana Education Service to maintain high moral and academic standards in schools.

The dedication ceremony, which featured prayers, hymns, and thanksgiving, brought together clergy members, traditional leaders, assembly officials, and residents who all lauded Pastor Nyarko’s advocacy for moral and educational reform. Many attendees agreed that returning mission schools to church management would restore the discipline and values that once characterized Ghanaian education.

The newly inaugurated Abira Church of Christ auditorium and three-room mission apartment, funded entirely by Mr. Boakye, was also celebrated as a symbol of faith, unity, and community transformation. The facility stands as a testament to the enduring impact of faith-based initiatives on both spiritual life and social development.

Concluding his address, Pastor Nyarko reminded Ghanaians that the church and state must work together to build not only educated minds but also morally upright hearts, noting that “true education without discipline is incomplete.”