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Dr Raphael Osei Adu, National President of the Association of Catholic Heads of Higher Institutions (ACHHI), has observed that inordinate economic gains were eroding the avowed objectives for the establishment of schools in recent times, compared to the holistic mission of training and knowledge acquisition of the head, hand and heart.

He said the purpose of school apostolate was no longer to teach, but for lucrative opportunities it provided, which was a departure from the original plan of the Church.

Dr Adu made these observations at the week-long 35th Annual Conference of ACHHI at Hohoe, under the theme: “The Role of Catholic Schools in the New Evangelisation.”

The National President said the intention of ACHHI is to align students to the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, nurture character, and create bonds of peace and harmony, within its established 47 Senior High Schools, 21 vocational institutes, 31 technical schools and six Colleges of Education

Dr Adu said internal and external factors continue to hamper the progress of the Association, and craved the indulgence of members to positively make the necessary impact.

He said the bottleneck relating to the matter of levies for students by faith-based educational institutions was being resolved, culminating in the signing of a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with the Ministry of Education.

Dr Adu indicated some amendments are being made to the Constitution of ACHHI, and entreated members to lend their support to the review processes.

He appealed to heads of non-Catholic institutions to join the Association, to champion the course of social reformation in the church.

Most Rev Matthew Gyamfi, the Catholic Episcopal Bishop of Education and Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese, entreated school heads to be firm in promoting the Catholic faith and doctrine.

“Heads must provide the needed leadership towards social transformation, academically, morally and spiritually,” he said.

Rev Monsignor Anthony Kornu, Vicar-General of the Ho Diocese said the emergence of radicalism, terrorism, corruption and disregard for the environment, makes Catholicism even relevant in upholding the values of truth, know-how inspired by Christian consciousness.