Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has categorically denied allegations that the government endorses conduct clashing with Ghanaian cultural values, while firing sharp criticism at Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, over his remarks on a controversial teachers’ manual involving LGBTQ+ content.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in response to a reporter’s question, Ofosu described Rev. Ntim Fordjour, a personal friend and neighbor as occasionally succumbing to “overzealous charlatanism” in his advocacy.
“I think that sometimes he becomes, he gets carried away in his advocacy. I have a friend who describes that conduct as overzealous charlatanism,” Ofosu Kwakye stated.
He noted their close ties, stating, “When you move out of AAK, you go into his constituency,” but urged restraint in such claims.
Ofosu highlighted that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) had already withdrawn approximately 700 copies of the problematic Physical Education manual before Fordjour’s public outcry.
The manual, intended for teachers, contained content deemed offensive to Ghanaian sensibilities, prompting swift remedial action.
“I’ve been sent a copy of the approved manual by NaCCA, and it does not contain the offending words,” Ofosu affirmed.
He drew parallels to past issues under the previous administration when Fordjour served where a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum faced similar backlash and withdrawal.
“You see, he was in government when the comprehensive education curricula was introduced. And we had similar happenings where there were things in there that we found distasteful and at variance with Ghanaian cultural norms and practises. There was some public outcry.”
The Minister stressed that government policy firmly opposes promoting anything at variance with Ghanaian culture, welcoming legitimate scrutiny but decrying exaggeration.
Ofosu Kwakye emphasized “It is not necessary to attempt to put what is not there in place. It doesn’t help anybody.
“Yes, you can draw attention. Clearly, this would be a slip or that somebody was not paying too much attention. You understand me? But it is not government policy to promote conduct that is at variance with Ghanaian culture. And that is that NaCCA has taken remedial action and the matter stands resolved,” he concluded.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
