The Ministry of Education has dismissed as false claims that the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, authored or oversaw a Senior High School teacher manual alleged to contain content inconsistent with Ghanaian norms and values.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, January 17, 2026, the ministry described as “entirely without basis” allegations made by the Centre for Democratic Movement, which suggested that the minister was responsible for the Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual for SHS Two, published in 2024.
The publication reportedly contains a definition of gender identity that the group claims does not reflect Ghanaian cultural values.
The ministry clarified that the development and production of the manual predated Mr. Iddrisu’s appointment as Minister for Education, stressing that he had no oversight or involvement in the material’s preparation.
According to the statement, the curriculum development process began in 2021 and was led by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), with technical support from Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL).
The process involved a rigorous selection of more than 300 Ghanaian professionals drawn from secondary schools, colleges of education, industry and universities.
The ministry said extensive stakeholder engagements were conducted throughout the writing and trial phases of the curriculum and its accompanying materials, including teacher manuals, learner materials and Professional Learning Community (PLC) handbooks.
It further explained that the only official documents produced under the direct leadership of Mr. Iddrisu since he assumed office are the PLC handbooks, which provide a structured platform for teachers to collaborate and improve teaching and learning outcomes.
The ministry emphasized that the PLC handbooks contain no ambiguity regarding the definition of gender.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Ministry of Education urged the public and media organizations to verify information thoroughly before publication to avoid misinformation and unnecessary public concern.
The statement was signed by Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Minister for Education.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
