Introduction

The role of a government minister, particularly in education, often sparks intense public and media scrutiny, especially when their signature is associated with controversial content in curriculum materials. In late 2025, the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) challenged the actions of Ghana’s Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, over his signature on the Year Two Physical Education and Health (Elective) Practical Learning Certificate (PLC) Handbook, noting that such endorsement carries significant responsibility, not mere formality. This article explores the legal, ethical, and practical implications of ministerial involvement in curriculum approval, analyzes relevant background, and provides expert commentary and actionable advice for stakeholders.

Key Points

Background

The SHS Curriculum Content

Ghana’s Senior High School (SHS) curriculum recently sparked national debate over the inclusion of gender identity and related topics in certain subjects, notably the Elective Physical Education and Health (PEH) handbook. The handbook, intended for Grade 12 students, was released in 2025 but was widely criticized by conservative groups, religious organizations, and segments of the general public for its approach to gender identity.

Ministerial Involvement

The handbook’s approval process attracted significant attention due to the signature of Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education. The CDM highlighted this as a central issue, arguing that the minister’s approval was not merely a formal procedure but an act of endorsement and accountability.

CDM’s Challenge

The CDM, a prominent Ghanaian civil society organization, released a statement questioning the minister’s role and responsibility in the curriculum saga. The organization criticized the government’s attempts to distance itself from the handbook’s content, calling it a disingenuous tactic that undermines public trust.

Analysis

Legal Implications of Ministerial Endorsement

In Ghana and many other countries, government officials hold legal and ethical responsibilities for the materials they approve or endorse, particularly in public education. A minister’s signature can be seen as an explicit indication of approval, which can carry legal weight if the content is later found to be inappropriate or harmful.

Legally, ministers are expected to exercise due diligence and consult with relevant stakeholders, including educational experts and representatives from diverse communities, before approving curriculum materials. The absence of such consultation or transparency can lead to legal challenges and public backlash.

Ethical Considerations

Ethically, public officeholders, including ministers, are expected to act with integrity and to uphold the values and interests of the people they serve. The CDM’s criticism of the minister’s attempt to disavow responsibility highlights the inherent conflict between personal beliefs and official duties.

When a public official’s personal convictions clash with their official responsibilities, it raises serious ethical concerns. The CDM emphasized that faith or personal beliefs should not be used as a political shield to avoid accountability for decisions that affect the public.

Public Trust and Government Accountability

Public trust in government institutions is built on transparency, accountability, and integrity. The controversy surrounding the SHS curriculum handbook has exacerbated public skepticism, particularly given the discrepancy between the government’s stated timeline for the handbook’s release and the evidence presented by CDM.

Mismanagement of information or attempts to mislead the public can erode trust in government institutions. Maintaining open communication and providing clear explanations for controversial decisions are essential to rebuilding public confidence.

Practical Advice

For Policy Makers and Government Officials

• Consult Diverse Stakeholders: Before approving any curriculum material, ministers should consult with educational experts, civil society organizations, and representatives from various community groups to ensure broad-based support and avoid controversy.
• Document Decision-Making Processes: Maintain detailed records of the approval process, including consultations, reviews, and final decisions. This documentation can help defend ministerial actions during public inquiries or legal challenges.
• Communicate Transparently: Government officials should provide clear, accurate information about curriculum decisions and any associated controversies. Avoiding ambiguity or making contradictory statements helps preserve public trust.
• Adopt a Proactive Public Engagement Strategy: Regularly update the public on curriculum developments and征求意见 on sensitive topics to demonstrate openness and responsiveness to citizen concerns.

For the Media and Public

• Foster Informed Public Debate: Encourage open and respectful discussion of educational issues, focusing on evidence, expert opinions, and the potential impact on students and society.
• Verify Information: Prioritize the publication of verified facts and official statements over unconfirmed claims or rumors.
• Support Responsible Journalism: Promote reporting that is fact-based, balanced, and sensitive to the complex issues surrounding education policy.

FAQ

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the Education Minister’s signature on the SHS curriculum handbook highlights the complex intersection of public policy, ethics, and accountability. Ministerial signings on educational materials carry significant legal and ethical responsibilities, and any attempt to distance oneself from controversial content can erode public trust in government institutions.

For effective governance and public engagement, it is crucial that government officials act with integrity, consult diverse stakeholders, and maintain transparency in their decision-making processes. The media and public play an essential role in fostering informed debate and holding officials accountable for their actions.

As Ghana navigates the challenges of curriculum reform and education policy, the lessons from this controversy underscore the importance of responsible governance, ethical integrity, and transparent communication in building a sustainable and inclusive education system.

Sources

• Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) official statement, January 2026
• Ministry of Education, Ghana – Press Release on SHS Curriculum Development
• “Ghana’s SHS Curriculum Sparks National Debate,” Life Pulse Daily, January 2026
• “Ministerial Approval in Education: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities,” Journal of African Governance, 2025
• Public records and news reports on the SHS curriculum timeline and content