Education Ministry rejects claims that Haruna Iddrisu approved the controversial SHS teacher manual.
Education Ministry rejects claims that Haruna Iddrisu approved the controversial SHS teacher manual.
The Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, authorised a Senior High School (SHS) teacher manual containing definitions of gender identity alleged to be inconsistent with Ghanaian values.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, January 17, the Ministry described the allegation, published by the Centre for Democratic Movement, as false and without merit.
“The Ministry states unequivocally that this allegation is false and entirely without basis,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry, the Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual for SHS Year Two, which has generated public debate, was developed long before Mr Iddrisu assumed office as Minister for Education.
It explained that the curriculum development process began in 2021, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL) to provide technical advisory services, project management, research, and implementation support aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.
The Ministry said the process was led by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), with support from T-TEL, and involved extensive stakeholder engagement.
“A rigorous process was used to identify and select over 300 Ghanaian professionals drawn from secondary schools, Colleges of Education, industry, and universities to develop the curriculum and related teaching and learning materials,” the statement noted.
It added that the development and production of the Physical Education and Health teacher manual were completed before Mr Iddrisu’s appointment, stressing that he had no oversight or involvement in the material.
“The development and production of this manual predate the appointment of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu as Minister for Education. He therefore had no oversight of the said material produced,” the Ministry stated.
Clarifying the Minister’s role since assuming office, the Ministry said the only official materials produced under his leadership are the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) handbooks, which are designed to help teachers collaborate and improve subject-specific teaching and learning outcomes.
“The PLC handbook contains no ambiguity regarding the definition of gender,” the statement added.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to Ghana’s educational values, transparency, and accountability, and urged the public to disregard unverified claims.
