In the wake of growing public debate about the content of teaching and learning materials in Ghana, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has issued a firm clarification: all references to sex in the nation’s educational resources must strictly adhere to biological definitions based on birth.
The Minister made his position clear during a training session in Tamale focused on the Ghanaian Youth Handbook and the implementation of the Guidance and Counselling framework.
Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that, going forward, any mention of a man, a woman, or sex in classroom literature must be grounded solely in biology, reflecting Ghanaian values, culture, and social norms. He explained that this directive was issued after concerns arose about ambiguous content in certain educational materials, and confirmed that such issues have since been addressed and corrected.
The Minister further instructed the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) to take responsibility for the controversy and to act swiftly. He revealed that NaCCA had admitted to inconsistencies in the definition of gender identity within the Year Two Physical Education and Health elective teacher manual for senior high schools—a manual that has now been recalled in all 736 printed copies. Corrections have already been made to the online curriculum, and teachers have been advised not to use outdated hard copies.
Haruna Iddrisu also noted that the curriculum remains dynamic, with regular updates made available online to ensure all educators have access to the latest approved standards. “The moral foundation of our society depends on upholding these values through our education system,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of cultural alignment in teaching.
His statements come at a time of heightened political tension, as the Minority in Parliament continues to call for the removal of NaCCA’s leadership over what they describe as gross negligence. In response, NaCCA has not only withdrawn the affected manuals but also released a revised edition that, according to officials, aligns with Ghanaian cultural norms and provides a biological perspective on the topic.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
