Minority Demands Parliamentary Probe into Withdrawn LGBTQ-Related Teacher Manual

The Minority in Parliament has called for a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry into the development, approval, funding, and distribution of a withdrawn teacher manual that contained LGBTQ-related content.

The call follows allegations by the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, that the government was covertly promoting an LGBTQ agenda through teacher manuals and other teaching and learning materials (TLMs) used in schools.

In response to public concerns, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) withdrew printed copies of the Year Two Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual after admitting that sections on “Gender Identity” were inconsistent with Ghanaian cultural values, norms, and beliefs. NaCCA has since released a revised version of the manual, aligned with national values and biological perspectives.

Addressing the media on Thursday, January 15, the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, speaking on behalf of the Minority caucus, stressed the need for accountability in the curriculum development and approval process.

He described the inclusion of LGBTQ-related content in the manual as a “betrayal of trust,” noting that its withdrawal has raised serious concerns about oversight, transparency, and the involvement of external partners in educational content development.

“We demand the institution of a full parliamentary inquiry by the appropriate committee of the House into the development, approval, funding, and circulation of these materials, including the role of external partners,” he stated.

The Minority also called for a transparent and inclusive review of all teaching and learning materials, involving Parliament, religious and traditional authorities, parents, civil society organisations, education experts, and teacher unions.