The Minority in Parliament has called for a full parliamentary enquiry by the relevant committee into the development, approval, funding, and distribution of the now withdrawn Physical Education and Health teacher manual, which contained LGBTQ-related content.
This comes amid allegations by the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, that the government was promoting an LGBTQ agenda through teacher manuals and other TLMs in schools.
In response, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) withdrew printed copies of the Year Two Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual after acknowledging that certain content on “Gender Identity” did not align with Ghanaian culture, norms, and values. A revised version of the manual, reflecting national values and biological understanding, has now been released.
Addressing the press on behalf of the caucus on Thursday, January 15, the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, stressed the need for accountability in the curriculum approval process.
He stated that the inclusion of the LGBTQ-related content as a “betrayal of trust.”
According to him, the recall of the manual has raised serious questions about oversight, transparency, and the role of external partners in developing educational content.
“We demand the institution of a full parliamentary enquiry by the appropriate committee of the house into the development, approval, funding and circulation of these materials, including the role of external partners,” he said.
The caucus also demands a transparent and inclusive review of all teaching and learning materials by Parliament and all education stakeholders.
“Minority is demanding a transparent and an inclusive review of all teaching and learning materials involving parliament, religious bodies, traditional authorities, parents, civil society organisations, education experts and teacher unions,” he said.
