The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed its displeasure on the unapproved learning materials making waves on social media, describing them as “incompetent and inept.”
In a statement released and signed by the party’s Communications Director, Yaw Buaben Asamoah on March 18, 2021, the NPP did not only condemn the books but disapproved the kind of identity it anticipated would be created.
The statement read: “The New Patriotic Party (NPP) hereby condemns the incompetent and inept material paraded by some publishers as books of instruction for our children.”
“Distortions of history and bigoted stereotyping of ethnic groups cannot be the basis upon which the social identity of our children is nurtured and established.”
The party also stressed the need for tolerance and cohesion among peoples because of the economic impact such relationships tend to have on societies.
It said: “In our world today, there is no profit to ethnic dominance or subjugation considering the universal values that globalization imposes on us.”
“Current global values project universal human rights, encompassing respect for all peoples irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, religion, culture or gender.”
“Economies are being built on digital technology and innovation, creativity and skills development. These are what will drive international competitiveness for Ghana and open opportunities for our young people to master their talents and fulfil their dreams,” the statement added.
The NPP, in light of the above, urged the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) to “refine and enforce their rules without fear or favour. That way, products certified by NaCCA can help bring up well balanced children, imbued with global values and pride in their country and its diverse culture.”
Political and social leaders are also urged by the party to “speak to the issues with the intention to bind us together as one people with one nation and one destiny.”
Background
Three books were identified to be on the market without the approval of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), the institution mandated to approve teaching and learning materials for use in pre-tertiary schools in Ghana under Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 (Act 1023).
The books, upon the public’s examination, revealed inappropriate contents which instigated public outcry for the books to be disapproved.
The books and the contents found include:
“History of Ghana for Basic 6” by Golden Publications which carries distasteful information about Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the CPP.
“History of Ghana Textbook 3” by Boadu Nkansa publications which features “a song that shows the Ewe identity.”
“Golden English Basic 4” by Golden Publications which displays “Efo agrees to prepare juju for the players” on page 17.
